A fundraiser is set to swap the corridors of Blackpool's Victoria Hospital for the jungles of South America - after being inspired to help by a charity's unit in his own place of work.

Ian Arthur, a consultant surgeon in the hospital's gynaecology department, will join a 10-day trek for Macmillan Cancer Relief in the Peruvian Andes in May.

He has been supporting Macmillan for some time and has been on their mailing list since the opening of the hospital's £2.5m Macmillan Windmill Unit in January 2003.

"There are around one million people in the UK living with cancer," said Mr Arthur: "The work Macmillan does in supporting these people is incredibly valuable and the charity needs all the financial support it can get.

"People often don't realise the full implications of cancer, not just physically but emotionally, socially and financially.

"Macmillan funds specialist nurses and doctors and is working to try and ensure everyone has equal access to information, treatment and care.

"I have wanted to help by fundraising for some time and the Peru Trek seemed perfect. I am in training and naturally a little worried about what 'rough'camping means but I think a little discomfort is worth the amount of good this will do for the charity."

Mr Arthur will sponsor himself to the tune of £2,000, covering the costs of the trip including food and equipment, but he is looking for further sponsorship to boost the amount raised for the charity.

Donations can be sent to Mr Arthur at the Women's Unit, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, FY3 8NR. Cheques should be made payable to Macmillan Cancer Relief.