A chef from Thames Ditton is taking part in an expedition to some of China’s most historic sites next year, to raise money for Age Concern and Help the Aged.

Romain Wagner, who works part-time as a chef for the Leapfrog Nursery in Mercer Close, will join others on the Age Concern and Help the Aged Trek China, which will see the group walk along the Great Wall of China and explore the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

The 54-year-old is now planning a number of local events, including raffles and cake sales, to help him reach his fundraising target of £2,750.

He said he was supporting the charity because he believes elderly people in this country are not supported by the state as much as they are in other countries.

He said: “Age Concern and Help the Aged is a tremendously important charity. Vulnerable older people are often left to fend for themselves with very little support and I wanted to help change this.

“My mother in France seems to receive a higher level of care than some older people do in the UK, and I wanted to do something to highlight this and make a difference.

“I went to China on a holiday two years ago, so when I saw the opportunity to go back, I jumped at the chance.”

Trek China takes place between Saturday, May 15, to Sunday, May 23, 2009, and there are still places available. People interested in taking part can contact the charity’s events team on 020 7239 1922, email events@helptheaged.org.uk or visit helptheaged.org.uk/events.

Get your fundraising events online at elmbridgeguardian.co.uk/events