An Ipswich man is taking his motorbike to all of England’s mainland counties as he raises money for cancer charities.

Mark Smith has had numerous family members affected by the disease and wants to support the organisations who help them.

He hopes the mammoth journey across the length and breadth of the country will raise £2,000, with around £1,000 already in the bank.

The first day’s travelling took Mr Smith from Ipswich south around London and down to the West Country.

The second day saw him travel north into the Midlands and today will feature a dash up the west coast before crossing over to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and then heading back south to York.

If all goes to plan the final two days of Mr Smith’s road trip will be spent weaving through the centre of England before heading back to East Anglia.

Mr Smith said: “I am supporting Cancer Research UK following two members of my family, namely my half-sister and cousin, being diagnosed with the disease.

“Further to that I have lost a grandmother and a grandfather to the disease too.

“A close family friend sadly has a daughter with terminal cancer which has again hit home that this is a classless, ageless, sexless disease.

“Cancer research is continuing to discover new cures, treatments and also developing hope for sufferers.

“I have decided that it is time for me to give back to this wonderful cause some funds to continue their work.

“In the past I have worked as a volunteer on a cancer ward at my local hospital so have seen first hand how patients and relatives suffer during treatment and also at the wrong end of the disease when their loved one is taken.”

Mr Smith is hoping to write a blog about his trip as he travels and has a JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/mark-smith377, where people can donate.