A man's brush with cancer inspired his younger brother to create a bucket list of daring activities for charity.

Ian Finch, of Russell Lane, East Barnet, has spent the last year ticking things off his bucket list – including learning a card trick with a street magician and dog sledding in Greenland. 

But the 35-year-old is now preparing to take on his biggest challenge yet by taking on a 250-mile walk from London to Paris in just eight days.

He hopes to raise up to £4,000 for Testicular Cancer and Everyman charity after brother Roger, 40, was diagnosed with the condition.

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Mr Finch, a former marine who now works as a personal trainer, said: “I felt like a dog on a leash in the Marines. I felt like I wasn’t making the most of my time.

“I lost track of who I was and I wasn’t having much fun. I knew I needed to do something amazing with my life – but something that could also help other people.

“I had to be realistic, so I thought up some home grown adventures and now, here I am.”

Roger, a manager from Cambridge, is now in remission after having the cancerous lump and his testicle removed.

The London to Paris Walk is number 41 on his ever-growing bucket list, and Roger as well as other family members and friends will join him for part of the walk. 

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He will set off from the London Eye on August 24 and finish at the Eiffel Tower eight days later, sleeping in tents and bed and breakfasts along the way.

Mr Finch added: “Luckily, Roger is healthy now and I still have a little brother to annoy. But others aren’t so fortunate.

“I take life lessons away from each challenge that I do. I am a junkie, it truly is an amazing feeling. 

“Having been in the Marines, I’ve seen some pretty tough things in my life. Having said that, I’m not looking forward to all the blisters that I’ll inevitably get but I know it will be worth it.”

He has so far raised £1,500 of his £4,000 target. To sponsor him, click here.

To follow his blog, click here