A man with terminal cancer has said he "can't wait to get started" as he makes the final preparations to cycle the length of the United Kingdom next week 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.

Next Saturday he will be setting off on a 880 miles cycle ride from John o’ Groats to Land’s End as part of his long-running charity efforts, inspired by his baby son Ashley, who died at 23 months from Hirschsprung’s disease in 1989, a rare disorder of the bowel.

He has now set up a website that people can donate to directly and will appear on TV channel London Live tomorrow at 9.20am.

Mr Charles is aiming 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 think I am ready, my bike is being tuned up and I am looking forward to it.

“I have cycled about 30 miles in training but I am not worried because I have no time limit to finish and I am feeling good.

“I can’t wait to get started and raise as much money as possible.

“40 miles a day is what I am aiming for but I will take it day by day.

“If it all goes according to plan I will complete the journey in four to five weeks.”

To donate and to find out more click here.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Frank Charles with Whipps staff and children

Frank Charles giving presents to children at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone.