A SPORTS-MAD teacher and father-of-four will be Havana ball when he takes on an epic challenge for charity.

For Laurence Nieberg, head of sports at St John’s Preparatory School in Potters Bar, will be cycling hundreds of miles across Cuba.

Starting in Playa Giron on Wednesday, Laurence will be cycling 50 to 60 miles a day until he finishes in the capital Havana on November 26.

The 52-year-old, who has worked at The Ridgeway school since September, hopes to raise �3,000 for Scope, which helps people with cerebral palsy.

He said: “I don’t know anyone with the condition, but it’s a very hard-working charity and does a lot of good work.

“I don’t know what to expect of Cuba as I have never been before but I am really looking forward to the trip and the challenge.”

Laurence, who used to be a personal fitness instructor, will be taking on the Caribbean island challenge with nine others.

“There are 10 of us doing it from across the UK and we are all raising money for Scope.

“Last year I cycled 450 miles for the same charity in Vietnam.

“There were 30 cyclists that time and we raised �100,000.”

He added: “There are less people doing it this year because of the economic climate and that’s the reason why the hardest part is going to be getting people to donate.

“But Scope is a great cause, please help if you can and dig deep!”

Daniel Larcey, senior events fundraiser at Scope, said: “It will be a physically demanding challenge but promises to be a fantastic experience for the participants who get to explore the beautiful Cuban countryside on two wheels.

“I’d like to thank Laurence for all his efforts not only with his physical training but also for raising valuable funds that allow Scope to continue its vital work with disabled people.”

Laurence, who lives in Harpenden, has so far raised �270.

To help him hit his target sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/laurencebikescuba