An Abersoch dad is to paddleboard around the north Wales coast to raise money for a charity very close to his family.

Kevin Bell, who celebrates his 60th birthday next month, set off from Abersoch on Saturday morning on his month-long challenge to paddleboard in open sea, rivers and canals, covering 200 miles to Poynton, Cheshire.

Kevin, who moved to Abersoch last year, decided to take on the challenge after his daughter, Sophie Stocks, was given the all-clear following a skin cancer operation.

Kevin said: “Sophie is just 28 so her having skin cancer was a shock.

“Luckily the cancer was removed with an operation.

“Her receiving the all-clear made me a very, very happy dad and gave me the drive to take this challenge on.

“Sophie’s all-clear led me to dedicate the fundraising to cancer research.

“My epic 200-mile paddleboard odyssey is by sea, estuary, river and canal.

“I will be leaving my new home town of Abersoch and arriving at my old hometown of Poynton on Wednesday, 10 July.”

This is the second paddleboard challenge for Kevin, who is a former urban regeneration specialist, Big Brother house supplier, writer and surfer.

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