A man who survived major surgery to become one of the UK’s top long-distance sportsmen will set off on an Otley to London fundraising run this weekend.

Chris Carver will embark on the 218-mile challenge, which will raise money for cancer charity Orchid The cause is a very personal one for the 44-year-old who had surgery to remove testicular and lung cancer tumours in the 1990s.

Mr Carver, of Courthouse Street, Otley, has also got several records in his sights and hopes he may even be able to set an inaugural world record for a Leeds to London run.

The fundraiser is also aiming to raising awareness of the male specific cancers – testicular, penile and prostate – which men are sometimes too embarrassed to seek help for.

Anyone who would like to support Mr Carver, who is being assisted by a team of 12 volunteers, can donate via bmycharity.com/V2/otleytolondon or runto-london.blogspot.com More details about Orchid can be found at orchidcancer.org.uk.