A police community support officer is planning to get on his bike and cycle across an African country despite the civil unrest it is experiencing.

Chris Blanksby, from Hilton, has signed up for a 400km ride across Kenya to help support four different heart funds.

The 21-year-old, whose beat covers the Eaton area of Burton, is hoping to cycle through the country's rift valley, riding from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the shores of Lake Victoria as part of the Big Heart Ride 2008. 

But with political unrest still sweeping the east African country, he knows he may have to switch plans at the last minute. 

He said: "I am keeping a close eye on the news from Kenya. 

"I just hope that things will ease before I set off in October. 

"Whatever happens, the ride will take place somewhere in Africa because there is no way I am going to disappoint the people and businesses who are supporting and sponsoring me." 

Former Burton College student Mr Blanksby is meeting the cost of his air fare and expenses from his own pocket and is looking to raise at least £3,000 from sponsors. 

He has already been in touch with businesses in Burton and is hoping other companies and individuals will want to offer sponsorship. 

Youngsters who play for Winshill Football Club, which he manages, have pledged support, along with members of Lichfield Wadoryu Karate Club. 

The cash will go the British Heart Foundation, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), Echo UK and Heart UK. 

Mr Blanksby, who joined Staffordshire Police's Trent Valley division as a PCSO a year ago, said: "After seeing the effects heart disease has on families, I want to raise as much money as possible to fund life-saving research and treatment." 

Mr Blanksby will continue to monitor the situation in Kenya before he leaves for the event. 

Fighting in Kenya since a disputed presidential election in December has killed 575 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross Society. 

President Mwai Kibaki was re-elected by a narrow margin in an election count that international observers say was deeply flawed. 

Since then, much of the violence has been between the president's supporters and those of rival factions. 

The turmoil ha also shaken Kenya's image as a stable, tourist-friendly democracy in a region that includes the war-ravaged countries of Somalia and Sudan. 

Anyone keen to sponsor Mr Blanksby, or who would like more information about the event, is asked to contact him by e-mail on Blanko14@hotmail.co.uk or call Action for Charity on 0845 408 2698.