A cancer-stricken teenager's wish to see the Roman ruins in Pompeii are set to come true thanks to a father-of-two who will cycle and walk 2,000 miles this year.

Guy Stapleford, from Great Kimble, will take on the challenge alone to raise money for Make-A-Wish and the teenager, named only as Maddy, from Beaconsfield, who has been diagnosed with Wilms’ tumour, which is a type of kidney cancer affecting children.

Maddy’s wish is to see the ruins and Mr Stapleford is determined to make her dream come true.

He kicks off his effort on April 26, when he will take on the South Coast Spring, a 400-mile solo cycle along the south coast of England, from Dover to Austell, within 40 hours.

In June, he will tackle the demanding Welsh 3000s, which involves scaling the 15 3,000-foot peaks of Wales in 24 hours, and in August, he will take on the Pure Three Peaks, where he will cycle 450 miles between, and then trek up, the UK’s highest peaks – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in four days.

Mr Stapleford will finish his mammoth undertaking in September, cycling solo across five European cities – London, Paris, Luxemburg, Brussels and Amsterdam – covering 1,000 in five days.

Having only started cycling in March 2017, the gallant father admits this year’s challenges will be a “real test” for him.

He said: “I often get asked what inspired me to set the challenge and it comes down to simply wanting to make a difference. 

“No child’s life should be defined by appointments, hospitals or disability.

“Make-A-Wish do something for children like Maddy that the NHS cannot – they provide hope, joy and a lifetime of memories for a whole family and that’s something special in my opinion. 

“These wishes can quite literally transform the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of a seriously ill child. 

“So if I can put myself through some temporary discomfort to raise awareness and money to help children like Maddy fulfil their one true wish then I will, time and time again.”

Mr Stapleford started his journey in 2017 when he set himself a series of 13 challenges, taking on one thing per month that he had never done before.

He raised more than £2,500 by running, walking and cycling over 2,500 miles. Challenges included Tough Mudder and the Bournemouth Marathon, and culminated in a 950-mile unsupported solo cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End in nine days.

Mr Stapleford has raised almost half his £5,000 target. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/milesforwishes.