A NURSE who has undergone extensive surgery is crossing continents in a quest to raise cash and aid the fight against cancer.

Spaniard Juan Dual, who lives in Masham, North Yorkshire, will travel to Nicaragua in Central America next month for a gruelling series of challenges.

The 30-year-old, who currently works as a waiter at the Kings Head Hotel, decided to raise money for the charity after undergoing surgery to prevent colorectal cancer.

Since being diagnosed he has had his stomach, rectum and colon removed and underwent his last surgery in 2013.

He has already completed a coast-to-coast bike ride, events from the Dales Trail series and the Lake District Total Warrior challenge in preparation for his trip across the Atlantic.

And once in Nicaragua he will spend five months taking part in cycling and running challenges while volunteering at a local school, before completing the Fire and Water 25K trail in Playa Santo Domingo, Isla de Ometepe.

And after that he will cycle 4,400 miles to Ushuaia, the most southern reachable point in South America.

“I’ve always been an active guy and I realised that life is so short following my surgeries,” said Juan.

“Now that I’ve recovered, I want to experience life again and take myself on new adventures instead of sitting at home watching TV.”

He added: “I’ve decided to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research because I like what they do. I’m in love with Yorkshire and the Dales and the beautiful landscapes.

“Yorkshire has taken a piece of my heart so it was impossible not to choose a local charity. I hope that my story inspires others who think they can’t accomplish great things.”

To sponsor Juan visit justgiving.com/Juan-Dual/ and follow his progress at runnife.com