A YOUNG Bolton father intends to travel on a mercy mission to Mongolia in the hope he can create a better life for families living in the Third World country. Andrew Lewis, 23, wants to make the trip with Operation Raleigh to try to develop the sort of life for youngsters out there that his eight-month-old baby daughter Reannan can have living in Bolton. But to achieve his ambition, he needs a helping hand.

Andrew, of Monks Lane, Top o'th' Brow, is appealing for Bolton businesses or organisations to sponsor him for the £500 to £700 he needs to take part.

The trip is due to take place from April 26 to June 4 and will encompass an environmental project, community scheme to build schools for nomadic tribes, and an exploration of the country which until recently has been shut off from the rest of the world.

Andrew, who hopes the expedition will help him achieve his long term ambition to become an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor, was chosen to take part following a training weekend.

He said: "Only 65 people have been chosen throughout the country to take part and I believe I am the only person from Bolton.

"Mongolia poses a new challenge. It is the first time that Raleigh has been allowed to have an expedition there since 1984.

"All the other destinations with Raleigh already have ongoing projects, and each year groups go out there to maintain them and help them grow. But on this occasion, with Mongolia, I will be among the very first creating the projects, setting the blueprints for others to follow."

Anyone who can help Andrew should telephone him on 450683.

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