Two dentists are preparing to put their fitness to the test and raise at least £4,400 for disadvantaged children and young adults by taking part in England's longest, steepest and highest outdoor charity challenge. Mark Willings from Horbury, near Wakefield, and Richard Gray, who practices in Waterloo, near Huddersfield, are once again competing in the Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge. The Challenge takes place in the Lake District on 19 May 2006. Mark will be joined by two other athletes and together they will canoe the length of Lake Windermere (10.5 miles), cycle 26 miles over Hard Knott and Wrynose - England's steepest passes - and then climb Scafell Pike (3,208 ft), before finishing with an eight mile run into the Langdale Valley. Richard is their support driver and is responsible for getting his team-mates and their equipment to the right place for each leg of the Challenge.

The Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge - which is organised by Wooden Spoon - has raised in excess of £1 million. Last year 33 teams generated a record £183,466. Wooden Spoon uses the money to benefit physically, mentally and socially disadvantaged children and young people. It currently supports 55 projects throughout the UK and Ireland. If you would like to help Mark and Richard fly the flag for the dental profession, please contact Mark Willings on 01924 211234 to discuss sponsorship opportunities. Full details on the Ford Ranger Great Lakeland Challenge and entry forms are available from the Wooden Spoon Challenge Office on 01889 582889.