The duo will begin the exercise -- part of a project undertaken by Lions District-323F -- from Vapi on Wednesday and reach Nadiad on December 21, covering Valsad, Chikhli, Bilimora, Navsari, Kamrej, Surat, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Karjan, Vadodara and Anand.

Both sons of Lion Club members, they will cover a distance of about 500 km during the marathon exercise that will see them visiting the cities as well. Besides raising funds, they aim to create awareness about the disabled among the public, according to Dilipbhai Marfatia, a trustee of several disabled children's institutions.

The money they raised would be used to complete a hostel being constructed by the trust for beneficiaries hailing from cities other than Surat. The bhoomipujan for the proposed hostel, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 55-60 lakh, has been completed.

The Calcutta-based NGO Society for Remedial Education Assessment Counselling Handicapped has opened a centre `Shruti' in Surat, which will manage the hostel.

The trustees have already raised about Rs 40 lakh but need public support for the rest, the project organisers said. Tapan and Maulik will visit places like schools, markets, industrial estates, social institutions, NGOs and clubs to raise as much funds as they can in the various cities and towns.

The duo have been practising for the last few days to cover about 40 kms every day. Their coaches Ketan Trivedi and Mahesh Bhagat will accompany them on roller-skates while two others will escort them on motorbikes. The organisers have sought the help of the highway police to ensure the boys' safety.