A SEAFARING Preston man is aiming to sail all the way to his 50th birthday later this year as he prepares to party on the ocean waves.

Howard Casson, from Fulwood, wanted to do something extra special to celebrate his half century and snapped up the chance to take part in a unique charity challenge.

Ship-enthusiast Howard can't wait to step on-aboard the Lord Nelson tall ship, for two weeks in October, for a sail of a lifetime from Southampton to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, taking in the stormy Bay of Biscay.

But before the father-of-one can take part in the event he needs to raise around £2,000 in sponsorship for Cancer Research UK before the end of August.

And the charity sailor is looking for generous volunteers to help him raise the cash before his place on the ship is given to someone else.

Howard, who works as a company secretary for copper suppliers Crossley and Bradley, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, said: "I decided that rather than have a big bash I would do something never to be forgotten and whilst I was at it raise some well needed cash for a worthy cause."

While on-board the old fashioned ship Howard will celebrate his birthday -- on November 1 -- with his shipmates.

Although the keen sailor is eager to learn the ropes there is one thing he is not looking forward to doing -- climbing the 44ft tall mast. "Unfortunately I am a bit scared of heights," said Howard. "But I will be required to go aloft to set and trim the sails. Quite interesting in a force eight and a swell! But if you don't give it a try then you'll never know if you can!

"I'm preparing for the challenge through physical training mainly. I'm out on my bike to get fit."

Howard's son David, 11, said: "Dad enjoys his sailing but I think he wants to get on a big boat in the open sea just to see how scary it is. He won't stop telling us about it when he gets back."

To help Howard raise money for the trip e-mail him at howard@casson.co.uk or contact Cancer Research UK on 0870 606 0016.