A DISABLED Upton couple are planning a 2,000-mile trip overland to Lourdes.

Malcolm Murray and Lynne Tombs are tackling the trip to raise money for the Parkinson's Disease Society and to raise awareness of disability.

They are hoping to raise at least £2,000, one pound for each mile of the journey.

"We want to show people what disabled people can do. Disabled people don't always need others to fundraise for them. They can go out and raise funds for themselves and others," said Malcolm, who is registered as disabled having suffered from polio when he was a child.

His fellow traveller Lynne has Parkinson's.

The pair plan to make their journey largely on foot but may also hitchhike and use public transport. On a strictly limited budget, they will be staying in hostels en route.

Starting from Upton on Thursday, June 14, they will make the journey to Lourdes via Barcelona and Tarbes and return via Pao, Bordeaux, Nantes and St Malo. Their 2,000-mile trip will take them through six different countries.

Although she is not expecting the trip to Lourdes to result in a miracle cure, Lynne is convinced that walking there and back again will help her mentally and physically.

Malcolm and Lynne will raise sponsorship money for the Parkinson's Disease Society and wear Parkinson's Disease Society T-shirts on the trip. They will also carry buckets to collect donations as they walk, depositing the cash at banks as they go.

"I've done charity walks and runs before and I know how heavy collecting buckets can get," said Malcolm.

Anyone wanting to support their charity bid can contact Malcolm on 01684 830155 or write to The Shires, Old Orchard, Upton-Upon-Severn, WR8 OSH.