Leer will carry out the impressive feat in aid of the Precious Lives Appeal, which is raising money to help build Cornwall's first children's hospice.

The director cites his colleague Carol, who has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, as inspiration for the trip.

He said: "I know in these uncertain times things are tough, but imagine being a parent of a child who needs the care provided by the Children’s Hospice South West and then imagine how much less stress and how much more time children can spend actually in a more local hospice, rather than spending time in a car getting to the hospice – that thought easily justifies a donation, no matter how small."

Gordon will set off from John O’Groats on 25 May and plans to reach Land's End in a fortnight. Those interested in sponsoring him can visit http://www.justgiving.com/gordonsjogle