A FITNESS trainer is looking for soul lovers to sponsor him on a bike ride through Vietnam. Laurence Nieberg, of Lower Luton Road, Wheathampstead, is to cycle 272 miles from the capital Hanoi to the former capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, to ra

A FITNESS trainer is looking for soul lovers to sponsor him on a bike ride through Vietnam.

Laurence Nieberg, of Lower Luton Road, Wheathampstead, is to cycle 272 miles from the capital Hanoi to the former capital of South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, to raise money for Scope, the charity for people with cerebral palsy.

Laurence, aged 50, has so far succeeded in raising £1,000 in sponsorship money and in an attempt to hit his target of £3,000 he has organised a soul night on April 18 at the Old Albanian Rugby Club in Harpenden Road, St Albans.

He will set off on his cycle ride on October 16, with 20 other cyclists. They plan to take 10 days to cover the distance, sleeping in tents and hostels.

Scope has set up the trip and is arranging for a support team equipped with spare mountain bikes and mechanics to accompany the riders.

Laurence said his wife and two daughter,s aged 14 and 12, were a little worried about the ride but he pointed out that the country was quite safe and its people were very friendly.

As a professional trainer he does not anticipate that his fitness will be a problem and said he was more worried about getting saddle sore.

Tickets for the soul night are available for £25 which includes a raffle, live soul music put on by local band Funkify, an auction and canapés.

To buy a ticket or to sponsor Laurence call him on 07860 142662 or e-mail him at Laurence@fitvillageinc. com