A POLICE diver is preparing to swap his flippers for two wheels to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Gareth Olley, who works at the Northwest Police Underwater Search Unit in Runcorn, will be embarking on a solo bike ride visiting each of the six police force headquarters covered by the regional underwater search unit.

The 37-year-old will cycle from Penrith to Preston, Liverpool and Manchester with a stop at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, before heading down to Winsford and finishing off in Colwyn Bay.

He plans to complete the 230-mile journey in one day on July 25.

In 2013, he rode from Lands End to John O'Groats with five Merseyside Police officers cycled in a non-stop relay and raised more than £6,000 for Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Dad Gareth said: “What the hospital deal with day in and day out pulls at my heart and so I would like to put a little bit back in to help the poorly children and their families.

“One of my children is currently under treatment with them, albeit nothing too serious thankfully.

“However a few friends have used Alder Hey, and one in particular have had their daughter in and out of the hospital for open heart surgery amongst some other life saving treatment.

“Their daughter has just started school this year and the work the hospital do is just amazing.”

Anyone wishing to join him along the route will be more than welcome.

Gareth is appealing to companies to sponsor him by providing essential items such as nutrition and clothing.

To donate visit the Cops Cycle for Kids Just Giving page or to sponsor e-mail Gareth at motorolley@gmail.com.