Paramedic takes on driving challenge for cancer

A paramedic from Cornwall is taking on a bucket list challenge of driving 7,000 miles (11,265km) across Europe to raise money for the cancer charity that supported him.

Richard Mellor aims to drive his electric car from his home in Bodmin across eight different countries to the most northern point in Europe reached by road in Nordkapp, Norway.

Mr Mellor, from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago and has been supported by Macmillan Cancer Support.

"I want to do this road trip to show that, even after multiple operations and during extended cancer treatment, you can still live your dreams," he said.

The trip will see him travel through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland before the final leg in Norway.

He is due to start the challenge on 5 June, will wild camp along the route and said he hoped to complete it in about three weeks.

Mr Mellor said when he was diagnosed with cancer "everything stopped" and he "forgot to keep living".

He said the "cancer dominated everything" in his life.

"My life was just getting through each day and I felt I couldn't make any plans for the future," Mr Mellor said.

"Many people have a bucket list that they intend to do one day, but before you realise, that day has passed."

He hopes to raise £3,000 for the charity so they can support others in the future.

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