A MAN who defied a terminal cancer diagnosis by undergoing ground-breaking surgery is soon to lead a team on a 10,000-mile charity rally across 19 countries.

Adam Alderson of Wensleydale underwent multiple organ transplant surgery in 2015 in a bid to rid him of incredibly rare peritoneal cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

At 35, Mr Alderson became the world’s youngest survivor of aggressive surgery of this type and just two-years later he is now gearing up for his next challenge - an epic rally from Yorkshire to Mongolia, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Mr Alderson set his Yorkshire Yaks team a £20,000 fundraising target but they have already smashed that by more than £10,000.

And their rally preparations received a further boost from Bishop Auckland-based TV manufacturer Cello.

The team cars have been decked out in the company’s branding and Mr Alderson said he was grateful to all the many other businesses and donators that are supporting his quest.

He said: “If someone had told me two-years ago that I would be facing the adventure of a lifetime I wouldn’t have believed them.

“But now, here I am travelling across 19 countries in the Mongol Rally, a true test of mental and physical strength, endurance and team work.

“To have Cello as our main corporate sponsor has enabled our dream of completing this epic journey to become a reality.

“Cello has also helped us to raise funds and awareness of how there is a viable option for PMP patients.

“Not only do we have the amazing support of the Cello brand, we are hoping to do their clients, suppliers and their team proud.’’

Brian Palmer, CEO of Cello said that Mr Alderson was “an inspiration”.

He added: “Adam’s extraordinary journey is a testament to never giving up, and Cello is very proud to be sponsoring such a motivating and determined charity team.”

Mr Alderson stressed that money donated is going to his nominated charities as he has ploughed £12,000 of his own cash into funding the rally trip.

He joked that he did not want people to think that they were funding his honeymoon after he married fiancee Laura in Hornby, North Yorkshire, in May.

He added: “We have had a lot of support from companies which has been fantastic.”

The Yaks will embark on their Mongol Rally from Goodwood in Chichester on July 15.

Over the next six-weeks they will drive around 10,000-miles to Mongolia with no back-up or official route.