A MAN battling cancer is preparing to tackle a gruelling charity challenge.

Keith Stringer is planning to scale Britain's Three Peaks - despite suffering from liver, lung and bowel cancer.

The challenge involves walking up Britain's three highest mountains - Scafell in England, Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales - in 24 hours.

Mr Stringer, 45, of Berry Brow, was diagnosed with the cancers last October and has undergone chemotherapy and two operations in the past 12 months.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary surgeon Peter Holdsworth removed part of Mr Stringer's bowel and just six weeks ago, Professor J P A Lodge at St James' Hospital in Leeds removed 75% of his liver.

The organ can regenerate and should grow back within three months.

Tomorrow Mr Stringer is set to go under the knife again to have part of his right lung removed at Leeds General Infirmary.

But he is not daunted.

Instead, he has set his sights on recovering his fitness and tackling the Three Peaks .

Mr Stringer said: "I did it once before when I was in my 30s and didn't find it too difficult. But it might be tougher this time."

He also wants to get back to work at Holmfirth firm Sicame Electrical Engineering, where he was a machine operator until he was diagnosed.

Mr Stringer will be taking on the Three Peaks to raise money for St James' Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary.

He has already raised £1,380 for Huddersfield Royal Infirmary's oncology unit by holding an auction at the Armitage Bridge Monkey Club in April.

The club has continued to collect donations for the ward.

Mr Stringer said: "It's an important cause because there are that many people suffering, not just with cancer but other illnesses.

"Everybody benefits from this money.

"It can hit anyone, I'm fit and I don't smoke but it happened to me."

Mr Stringer said his diagnosis was a shock to him and his two daughters, Charlotte, 19 and Laura, 16.

He was told he had been unknowingly suffering cancer for five years, but had no symptoms other than a pain in his side and tiredness.

He said: "It was a shock at first.

"It is a concern for everyone and a big strain. My friends and everyone have been brilliant.

"Now I feel I have got through two operations so I will get through another one.

"You have to get on with it. I want to get back to my normal life."

Mr Stringer hopes to complete the challenge in July.