Teesside photographer Doug Moody looks set to fulfil his dream of going to China – a year after an outbreak of the SARS virus scuppered his plans to cycle across the country.

Doug, chief photographer at the Evening Gazette, had been due to take part in the China Bike Ride – a 395km route from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square – in May 2003, to raise money for learning disability charity Mencap.

But just weeks before Doug, (49), was due to set off on his adventure, the Foreign Office issued advice to avoid the area because of the SARS epidemic, and the trip was re-routed to Egypt where he completed a mammoth 430km cycle across the Sinai Desert.

Doug said: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“Initially I was disappointed because I had really wanted to go to China. But at the end of the day the Sinai was a brilliant experience and it did make up for it to a great degree.”

In preparation for this year’s trip Doug has been cycling 50 miles a week on his new bike and has already begun his fundraising push in order to hit his £2,500 target.

Now he is keeping his fingers crossed that things will go more smoothly, and he will finally be able to see the sights of China that he has been dreaming about for so long.

Doug said: “Egypt gave me an insight into what it will be like – although I’ve been told there are more hills on this course.

“The Gazette has been really helpful and I am more than half way to the sponsorship target.”

Doug will be part of a team of cyclists taking part in the nine-day China challenge from October 23. If you would like to sponsor him call 01642 234302 or e-mail [email protected]