There is someone in nearly every town in Britain who has broken their back while taking part in sporting activities like rugby, horse riding, diving, and cycling.

REGAIN is a charity that provides support by purchasing equipment to help people who are severely paralysed lead more independent lives.

Now the charity is heading to Kenya to help them buy more equipment following the huge success of their previous fundraising cycling challenges for able-bodied and disabled cyclists.

REGAIN is currently looking for able-bodied riders to join their next fundraising adventure - The Africa Bike Ride in Kenya - cycling 400kms over five days from the slopes of Mount Kenya to Lake Victoria through the Rift Valley from 19 - 28th November 2005. Three tetraplegic hand cyclists are already registered to take part.

Paralysed cyclists have taken part in rides in Malawi, Spain, South Africa and Cuba using specialist hand cycles provided by the charity and helping to raise more than £300,000 for REGAIN - the only charitable organisation dedicated solely to improving the lives of men and women who become tetraplegic as the result of a sporting accident.

Tetraplegic Brendan Fitzgerald took part in the event in Malawi. He broke his back three years ago and was helped by the charity to purchase a specially adapted wheelchair so that he can play wheelchair rugby.

Brendan said: "Regain has helped me to continue playing sport and regain my independence. I decided to take up the challenge not only to raise money for other tetraplegics, but also to show people that being severely paralysed doesn't mean that your life is over. This is a great opportunity for people of all abilities to get together and help raise desperately needed funds."

To take part in The Africa Bike Ride you will need to pay a registration fee of £250 and then raise a minimum of £2,500 sponsorship for REGAIN. In return you will receive bikes, flights, food, accommodation, guides etc. for the entire challenge.

For further information about the challenge and an application form telephone Ann Frampton on 0845 408 2698.

email: ann@actionforcharity.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORK OF REGAIN, CONTACT ROGER BELSON ON 01491 613980.

Your help in finding more people to join the Africa Bike Ride would be very much appreciated.