A POOLE doctor is setting off to attempt a gruelling 100 paddle marathons solo in 100 days.

Martin Lee, a 32-year-old consultant rheumatologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, is attempting to circumnavigate the British Isles in his kayak.

The doctor, who grew up in Poole, will paddle an astonishing 2,600 miles in his bid to raise £100,000 for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).

Dr Lee, who cares for patients with bone and joint disease, said: “The NRAS is a charity that provides information and support for people with rheumatoid arthritis, which affects about 680,000 people in the UK.

“It is a condition characterised by inflammation in the joints that causes pain, stiffness and swelling and can progress to significant deformities and disabilities as well as life-threatening complications.”

The doctor, who will be camping along the coast throughout his challenge, set off from Deptford, London, yesterday.

And the inspiration for his trip, indeed his career choice, comes from spending time with his auntie Maureen.

“Maureen has suffered from an aggressive form of RA for the majority of her life,” he explained.

“Despite the pain and disability that she suffers as a consequence of her condition, as well as a number of other unfortunate life events that she has had to cope with, I have never heard her complain.

“This is an admirable personality trait that I have seen time and time again in patients whom I treat with RA.

“Maureen is an inspiration to me and because of her I started studying medicine with a fair idea that I wanted to become a rheumatologist.”

All going well Dr Lee hopes to finish his mega-marathon paddle at London Bridge on July 29.

Visit martinkayaking.co.uk to sponsor him.