A WIDNES dad who has sailed single-handed around the UK coast in a 27ft yacht and conquered the Pyrenees on a motorbike is planning yet more challenges.

Paul Hardaker, aged 44, who has Crohn's disease, is kayaking from Leeds to Liverpool on June 25.

He plans to row 28 miles across the English Channel in a sea kayak next month, a trip postponed last year because of bad weather.

And next year, his ambitious target is to ride his motorbike from Widnes to the Arctic Circle.

The civil engineer from Hough Green hopes to raise awareness and £10,000 for Crohn's & Colitis UK, a charity which has helped him cope with his illness for the past 14 years.

So far, he has collected £3,695.

Paul, of Flanders Close, said: “I like a challenge. I make myself a target and I don’t like to fail.

“This charity did massive things for me. This is my way of thanking them.

“More and more young people are suffering from it.

“It totally knocks you off your feet.

“Every penny I raise will help others.”

The biggest hurdle faces Paul on his next 128 mile solo marathon is crossing 91 locks.

He said: “I will have to lift my kayak out at every lock and carry it to the other side.

“I hope to do around 30 miles a day. I’ll keep going until I can’t go any further and find a decent place to put my tent.

“This will help me to get fit again ready for the Channel in July.”

He conquered searing heat and fatigue last August riding 771 miles across the Pyrenees.

He is still working out the details for his Icelandic mission in 2016.

To sponsor Paul, visit paulhardakerchallenges.co.uk