FRANK Oak, of Launceston, will take part in his final fundraiser soon – a motorcycle ride in the Himalyas – at the grand age of 72.

Frank has been collecting for various charities over the last ten years and has raised well over £20,000 in that time. On this occasion he will be raising money for the group, Kiya Survivors in Peru, of whom Frank is a trustee and The Merlin Project, Cornwall's therapy centre for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers.

He said: "After three bicycle rides totalling 2,500 miles, climbing two mountains (Mount Fuji and Macchu Picchu), and two private returns to Peru funding minbuses, children's clothing and educational aids, I had thought about finishing eventing – I am 72 after all.

"Phase one of the Merlin Centre is almost one-year-old and fundraising is proceeding for phase two. As part of the efforts to raise the money needed to complete phase two and safeguard the running of the centre, a motorcycle challenge will take place in late October/early November 2010."

He continued: "Called 'Bite the Bullet', it involves riding a retro style Royal Enfield in the foothills of the Himalayas.

"Still hard work although a little easier than past events, I hope, but to take part I must raise £3,000 for the Merlin Centre.

As with all the events I have taken part in, I have to guarantee the sum to be raised and have already personally paid 10 per cent to secure my place.

"Any shortfall will be paid by me and I will be paying my own expenses both whilst collecting, and on the trip. I have already made a start with two days collecting at a large shopping centre and will hopefully be visiting most of the local supermarkets."

Frank has a website that will allow viewers to follow both the fundraising and event itself. It can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/merlin-the-biker">www.justgiving.com/merlin-the-biker, and offers the chance for those interested to make donations.

Frank added: "As an added bonus any donations by tax payers attract a return of their tax, adding about 30 per cent to its value.

"As this is my last event I would like to make it a good one and smash the £3,000 minimum total. I would be very pleased to accept donations of any size knowing the funds will go to such a worthy cause."