WHEN roofer Terry McGuire sets out on his 108-mile trek next month, he will do it inspired to help the young people near his home.

Before a step has been taken, the 50-year-old grandad from Newton-le-Willows has already raised more than £1,000 for his Business for Youth project, aimed at providing opportunities for youngsters in his neighbourhood.

And on April 7, he will be doing a sponsored walk from Newton to Dinas Dinlle, just outside Caenarfon in North Wales.

Terry has already written to every business in Newton, asking for their support.

He explained: “It’s something I have thought about for some years. I have always had the feeling that I wanted to put something back into society, but wasn’t sure how to go about it.

“I have often thought that local businesses should look after local youth.

“The idea is to raise funds from local businesses, to create a pot, which is allocated through a committee to help local youths.

“Some don’t have much purpose and a lot struggle.

“Some come from non-working families, with no work ethic at all. Someone needs to do something.”

In his letter to Newton businesses, he wrote: “I have recently been in touch with the Newton Family Community Centre on Park Road South, and the FETRA organisation of Frawley Avenue. Both these and other organisations give wonderful support to families, offering education and links to help people’s futures which in turn helps the youths of our town.

“The support they offer is fantastic but like everywhere else, their funding has been hit by cuts and they struggle to fund projects that are extremely worthy.

“I feel we all have a responsibility, particularly with this 12-18 age group.

“This group is vulnerable and is in need of projects that will help them feel the sense of purpose and ambition earlier mentioned. In a nutshell, projects that may give them a leg up and give them some drive for the future.”

He added: “If I had my way, I would ask every business to donate 0.5 per cent of their profits towards youth, which I’m sure would help resolve the problem.”

For his walk, Terry has set himself the target of covering the distance in three days – 35 miles on the first two and 30 on the last.

He has promised that if he doesn’t complete the walk within this time, he will donate £500 out of his own pocket. To help Terry's cause, contact him on 07860457576.