A Sampford Peverell man has set out on a 630-mile journey in order to raise money for cancer charities.

Jim Bray decided to walk the entire South West Coast path this summer to raise money for Exeter based charity FORCE and the Seamoor Unit Fund at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple which is ran by the trust's charity Over and Above.

Mr Bray, who previously worked as a sub-editor at publications across the South West, quit his job as a communications manager to undertake this eight week journey.

He started his walk on Friday, June 10, in Minehead, and hopes to conclude his walk at Poole Harbour in Dorset on Thursday, August 4. The journey will include climbing more than 115,000, crossing 288 bridges, catching 13 ferries while passing around 3,500 coast path signs.

"I didn’t used to like walking or appreciate the benefits of it but after a spell of ill health towards the end of last year I was encouraged to walk more to help me get better,” said Jim, who lives in Sampford Peverell, near Tiverton.

"This year I’ve done a brisk walk for half an hour every day as well as a longer trek in Devon or Somerset once or twice a week, and I now feel fitter, healthier and stronger.

"I’m looking forward to exploring more dramatic cliffs and rock formations, secret coves, picturesque harbours and tranquil estuaries, knowing that every step I take will help to raise money for two excellent local charities and support patients and families affected by cancer."

Sponsoring Mr Bray is Huntsham Court, a private hire Victorian mansion near Tiverton.

Huntsham Court co-owner Damian Llambias said: "Jim’s Journey is a remarkable endeavour.

We are delighted to give a donation to both charities and also to provide Huntsham Court as a venue for Jim’s Journey to host an additional fundraising event in September, once his walk is complete."

So far Mr Bray has raised £1,391.25 of his £5,000 target. He hopes to raise as much as possible for his chosen charities.

Ian Roome, fundraising manager for Over and Above, said: "Jim’s Journey will be an incredible experience and our fundraising team and volunteers are looking forward to joining him on parts of the route.

"His fundraising will help to buy specialist medical equipment and bring in more support services such as aromatherapy treatments to enhance patient care in the Seamoor Unit."

Naomi Cole, community fundraiser for FORCE, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Jim for choosing FORCE as one of the charities to benefit from his fundraising this summer, and would like to wish him all the very best as he takes on the beautiful but challenging South West Coast Path walk."

Mr Bray is tracking his walk on his Facebook page. Those wishing to donate can visit his JustGiving page on: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=JimsJourney