A man with terminal cancer determined to help others in the future plans to overcome his dibiliating symptoms and cycle the length of the United Kingdom to raise money to set up a legacy charity.

Frank Charles, of Chester Road in Wanstead, has non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer affecting the immune system.

On May 10 this year he plans to cycle 880 miles from John o’ Groats to Land’s End as part of his long-running charity efforts, inspired by his baby son, who died at 23 months.

Mr Charles is aimiing to raise the £5,000 needed to make his annual Give a Gift Appeal, which provides presents to children at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone at Christmas, a charity.

Since being diagnosed with cancer in 2010, the fundraiser set up the East London Food Bank and was an Olympic torchbearer in 2012.

The 51-year-old said: “I have always wanted to do this, even pre-cancer, but never got around to doing it.

“Obviously with stage four cancer it could come back any time and it will be much more aggressive, which is why I want to do this final journey to set up the charity which will be my legacy.

“The cycle will be a struggle but to say I have done it would be incredible.

"It is an iconic journey from the top to the bottom of the country.

“It will be painful but I have lived with pain for four years, even driving or opening a can can be hard at times, but you have to get on with it.”

Mr Charles is to dedicate the ride to his 23-month-old son Ashley, who died in 1989 from Hirschsprung’s disease, which is a rare disorder of the bowel.

He said: “I want to dedicate it to my son who never leaves my thoughts and everyone else suffering from illness.

“I want the message of my bike ride to be that people suffering can still do what they want to.

"Since being diagnosed I have met Theo Walcott and won a Vegas trip on a gameshow.

To pledge your support get in touch with Mr Charles on frarnieyinyang@yahoo.co.uk