A father-of-two who was inspired by the determination of those who have had life-changing illnesses is set to embark on a charity walk in aid of the East Lancashire Hospice.

Rizwan Akhtar, of Blackburn said he was taken aback when his uncle Zak, 52, had continued to study for his PhD despite his illness. 

Although he was not cared for at the Hospice, Rizwan said his attitude helped him refocus his own life. 

Rizwan, 45, said: “My uncle was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in March 2009 and has not let that stop him in achieving his life goals.

"I was so inpsired by him in so many ways."

In a second conversation, Rizwan heard of his neighbour's wife who had used the services at the East Lancs Hospice for personal reasons.

He said the conversation shed a light into the meaningful services that were offered by the hospice for those in need. 

Rizwan has now decided to offer his support to the Hospice by taking part in a 'Walk with Courage' on May 7.

He also intends to complete the walk on a yearly basis, with a goal to raise £2,500 from his first challenge. 

Rizwan said: "The walk will begin from the East Lancs shop on Moor Lane, Clitheroe, to the East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn. 

"This is a walking distance of approximately 12 miles. 

"I am hoping to raise the money along his journey from the local communities and also looking to receive as much support as possible on the route from Clitheroe to Blackburn."

Joining Rizwan will be his wife Fozia who will walk the final six kilometres and his two nieces, Tasmiya and Urushiha. 

Rizwan will also receive support from his two daughters Arissa, eight, and Hooriya, 12, who will promote his walk by wearing the T-shirts and holding the buckets.

They will accompany him for the final two kilometres from Darwen Street Bridge to the hospice in Park Lee Road, Blackburn.

Rizwan said: "I will walking along Whalley New Road through Bastwell on the morning arriving at the East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn sometime after 1pm.

"I am hoping all the community comes out to support me."

Anyone wanting to support Rizwan's efforts before May 7 do so by clicking here.