A FATHER-of-three who was born in China is preparing to return to his homeland for the first time in almost 50 years - all in the name of charity.

Tommy Kwan (55), of Bent Fold Drive, Unsworth, was born in Guangdong, southern China, and moved to England in 1958, when he was eight.

Since then, he has never had the chance to go back to China or the money to travel there.

But now, Tommy is preparing to return to the Far East to trek along the Great Wall of China and raise money for charity.

He will spend five days walking part of the 4,000 mile-long wall, and has already raised more than £3,200 in sponsorship for cerebral palsy charity Scope.

Tommy said: "All I can remember of China is the village I spent my childhood in, and that it had no electricity, gas or running water when I left. It didn't even have any toilets. The Great Wall is in the north of China, so I won't be going back to my home village, but I imagine the country will have changed dramatically

"I am very excited about going to China after all these years. To raise money for such a good cause at the same time makes it even more worthwhile."

Tommy will walk along with 60 other people in a trip organised by Scope to boost its funds.

He has been preparing by walking on Holcombe Moor for eight hours each week, and training at the gym twice a week.

Tommy has been a professional karate instructor in Bury for 32 years and is a founding member of Radcliffe-based Rising Sun Karate Association.

He said: "There are thousands and thousands of steps along the Great Wall and some very steep inclines. It will be hard work, but I'm determined to do well."

Tommy will set off for Heathrow Airport. Anyone wishing to make a donation should call 020 7619 7334 or log on to www.scope.org.uk