A FUNDRAISER is preparing to pull a custom-made 50kg cart 300 miles from Chester in aid of an animal welfare charity.

John Yates has been putting the finishing touches to his cart, which will be loaded with food, water and cooking equipment and will turn into a bed each night for the epic feat, which he estimates will take him three weeks.

The charity challenge is in aid of UK-based cause Brooke, which works with owners and communities to ensure a better standard of welfare for working horses, donkeys and mules around the world.

In developing countries, people rely on these animals to transport water, food, heavy bricks and other building materials on a daily basis.

Brooke's teams train local vets, farriers and harness makers, work nationally with governments, and internationally with policy makers to improve animal welfare laws and standards.

John will be setting off from Brooke's art exhibition, to be held at Chester Military Museum on the afternoon of Saturday, September 28, being waved off by Brooke staff and Flog it! Auctioneer Adam Partridge, who will be auctioneer at the art exhibition auction the same evening.

He intends to walk 15 miles a day and his route will take him past Shrewsbury, Worcester, Gloucester, Swindon, Salisbury and Winchester before ending in his hometown of Plaistow, West Sussex, around three weeks later on Saturday, October 19.

John, who has a fundraising target of £4,000, said: “It’s not just about raising money, it’s about raising awareness of how hard horses and donkeys work in the developing world.

"I’ve spoken to people and they didn’t realise a mule will pull a tonne of bricks a time in an Indian brick kiln, and that’s without mentioning the incredibly hot conditions and poor welfare.”

The cart was designed by John himself and weighs around 50kg. At night, the cart will become a micro-camper-van, providing John with a bed for the night.

John is no stranger to taking on tough challenges for charity, as last year he completed a 900-mile cycle ride for the Senior Staffy Club, which rescues and rehomes Staffordshire bull terriers and Staff cross dogs aged seven years and up.

He added: “It’s all about education. I want to raise awareness for all animals in need and this year I’m focusing on working horses and donkeys.”

To donate to John’s fundraising challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/300-mile-cart-challenge

To find out more about Brooke’s work around the world, visit thebrooke.org.