A CANCER survivor from the Tyne Valley is taking on a remarkable challenge to raise money for a charity starved of funding during the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul Nash, who lives in Ovingham, is set to take out the Everest...Hardly! Challenge that will see him row the height of the world's highest peak.

The 71-year-old is aiming to row the 29,092m distance over seven days on his rowing machine.

Paul will be raising money for Prostate Cancer UK after being diagnosed with the disease nine years ago.

His cancer was detected early, and after successful surgery he has not required further treatment.

Three years ago, Paul set up the not-for-profit social enterprise Play2Support, which provides a platform for golfers to take part in competitions while raising money for the charity Prostate Cancer UK.

Play2Support hosts an annual pairs competition to raise money for prostate cancer research, but due to a lack of fund-raising for charities due to the coronavirus crisis, Paul has decided to go the extra mile this year.

He said: "Just as for everything else Covid-19 has impacted the work Prostate Cancer UK, especially in the North East.

"Vital research being carried out at the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer and the Centre for Life has been paused due to lack of funds.

"Volunteers have been unable to carry out their usual activities, which in my case is running the annual Stocksfield Golf Club PCUK Open.

"The pairs competition is still going ahead on Friday, July 3, but it is a members only event so its fundraising possibilities are limited.

"That is why I am undertaking The Everest...Hardly! Challenge.

"I am aiming to row at least 29,092m in seven sessions on my rowing machine, one on each day from Monday, June 22 to Sunday, June 28 - my 72nd birthday."

Donations can be made to Paul's campaign at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/play2support. Since Play2Support was formed in 2017, Paul has raised more than £3,300 to support Prostate Cancer UK.