EARLY morning sessions at the gym and weekly 12 mile walks are just some of the preparations being made by Anthony Chandler for his Cambodia Challenge. The rector of St Peter s and St Mary s churches in March says he is taking the trainin

Story by: MAGGIE GIBSON

EARLY morning sessions at the gym and weekly 12 mile walks are just some of the preparations being made by Anthony Chandler for his Cambodia Challenge.

The rector of St Peter's and St Mary's churches in March says he is taking the training seriously in a bid to get the most out of his challenge which will see him trekking through jungles and helping to build houses.

Like others undertaking the challenge Rev Chandler is raising money for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to support its work saving lives through mine clearance and giving communities the chance of a safe and viable future.

"I knew I wasn't up to going up mountains in Peru or cycling across America and this is something which I could do and which had a purpose to it," said 65-year-old Rev Chandler.

But Rev Chandler already has a deep insight into the valuable work carried out by MAG. His daughter Alison is a community liaison advisor for MAG and has worked for extended periods in Southern Sudan, Iraq, Sri Lanka and briefly on projects in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Lebanon and Cyprus.

He has been overwhelmed by the support from local people as well as friends and family throughout the country.

His wife Helen has been in charge of the administrative side of his challenge and making sure he is up to date with inoculations.

Rev Chandler leaves for the 11-day challenge on March 19 and days five, six, seven and eight will be spent on a building project.

There will also be an opportunity to witness at first hand the work of MAG and visit a number of attractions including the UNESCO world heritage site of Angkor Wat.

Anyone who wishes to support Rev Chandler can contact him Tel 01354 652894 or email anthonychandler@btinternet.com