A former serviceman from Cross Hills has returned home to try to recruit more support for a national children's charity.

Falklands veteran Alan Elrick returned to his roots this week to spread the word about the Whizz-kidz charity, which helps youngsters with mobility problems. Alan, 38, who now lives in Windsor, hopes people in his native area will raise money for the worthy cause.

On Friday, September 11, Alan will compete in a gruelling triathlon in London to raise money for the charity. It will consist of a 1,500m swim, followed by a 25-mile bike ride and a six-mile run.

The triathlon will be a contrast to his last fundraising effort when he ran the London Marathon with a friend, dressed as Batman and Robin.

Alan says: "The charity helps out children across the country who experience mobility problems, by providing equipment ranging from £400 trikes to £14,000 motorised vehicles."

Having served as a cook during the Falklands with the 59th Royal Engineers, Alan returned to Cross Hills and worked for a brief period at the Three Sisters hotel in Haworth before moving south.

The charity can be contacted on 0171 2336600. People wishing to sponsor Alan for the triathlon can contact him on 01753 680105.

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