A DAD-of-two is to walk a 630 mile trail over six weeks in a bid to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Simon Bowler, 35, from Lynmouth Road, Didcot, will set out from Minehead, Somerset, on the South West Coast path on April 3, and will arrive in Poole, Dorset, on May 15.

The path is the UK’s longest national trail, covering four counties and some of Britain’s most dramatic coastline.

To complete the walk in a six-week timeframe, Mr Bowler will have to walk between 15 to 20 miles a day, while carrying 20kg of camping equipment and food with him.

He said: “Going on this walk will be the culmination of 13 months of planning, preparation and training.

“This is something I have wanted to do since my childhood and I am looking forward to getting out there and facing the challenge.”

He said he was inspired to act by the death of two aunts, Pauline Pelling from a brain tumour 10 years ago, and Sam McGoun, from kidney cancer six months ago.

He said of Mrs McGoun’s illness: “Finding out she was ill was the final push for me to do something.

“I will be walking most of the time on my own and camping along the way, although members of my family have offered to walk with me along certain stretches.

“Six weeks is a long time for my wife Miriam to be without me but she is supportive and proud of what I am doing.”

Mr Bowler, an agricultural engineer, is hoping to raise £10,000 through sponsorship and donations. He has been given the time off work to complete the task.

The money raised will help fund Cancer Research UK’s charity’s research into potential cures and treatment for cancer.

Cancer Research UK spokesman Rachel Brockie said: “Simon is walking a very long way on our behalf and we really appreciate his efforts.

“He is showing great determination to do this and we wish him well.”

To find out more about Cancer Research UK visit cancerresearchuk.org.uk or sponsor Mr Bowler at justgiving.com/Simons630mileadventure