AN ADVENTURER has kayaked nearly 1,000 kilometres and climbed the Wales, Scotland and England highest peak to raise money for charity.

Nick Ray, 55, undertook a sole-expedition from Loch Eil Outward Bound Centre, close to Fort William, and finished nearly four weeks later in Aberdyfi, where he used to work as an instructor for the Outward Bound Centre.

Whilst kayaking the west coast of the UK, Nick also managed to climb the three mountain peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon to raise money for the cancer charity Odyssey, who use a programme involving the outdoors and art to give cancer battlers their confidence back.

Nick, who lives on a houseboat in Scotland but hails from Zimbabwe, is used to life of adventure and has already raised over £2,100 on his latest endeavour.

His interest in the three peaks challenge was first piqued in the 80s when he was a younger man.

“The inspiration for this particular challenge has been within me since my teenage years,” he said.

“When I was nineteen in 1982, with three friends, I successfully completed the three peaks by car - a souped up Ford escort - in 19 hours, 1 minute and 21 seconds!

“This was before the concept of the Three Peaks Challenge became widely popular.

“I first heard of the Three Peaks Yacht Race which begins in Barmouth and ends in Fort William when I was working for Outward Bound in Aberdyfi in the 1980s and I was captivated by the concept.

“Here crews of five set out to complete the Three Peaks as a sailing / mountain running race.

“It wasn’t until 2003 before I was able to take part in my first race and since then I have competed another two times. They were incredible experiences.

“In 2009 I made my first attempt to kayak and climb the Three Peaks.

“Sadly, I had to retire when my tent was destroyed during a fierce storm while camping at St Bees in Cumbria.”

Fortunately, Nick’s latest attempt was a great success.

“It was very fitting to finish in Aberdyfi,” said the 55-year-old, who is “missing the activity”.

“I may live in Scotland but part of my heart resides in the Tywyn and Aberdyfi area.

“It was a beautiful end to the trip, paddling around the Llyn - which is stunning - before camping on Shell Island beach with the most magnificent sunset.

“I saw the rocks I used to teach climbing on as I rounded the Dyfi Estuary and a group of friends were in Aberdyfi waiting for me - it was lovely.”

My Ray will be conducting a talk at Dovey Yacht Club on 25 July to discuss his travels.

To sponsor Nick, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nick-ray or visit his website at http://www.lifeafloat.co.uk/