A consultant rheumatologist, currently on a 2,600 mile solo kayaking challenge for charity, is due to hit Tenby next weekend as part of his trip.

Thirty-two-year-old Martin Lee, a consultant rheumatologist at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, is attempting to raise £100,000 for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), by completing a 2,600 mile clockwise solo circumnavigation of the UK mainland.

Martin, who hails from Poole in Dorset, is intending to break the challenge down into 100 marathons in 100 days of paddling.

He set off on April 1, from from The Ahoy Centre in Deptford, South East London, and aims to arrive back at London Bridge by July 13.

Martin, who was first introduced to kayaking in school around the age of 15, is, weather permitting, due to reach Tenby on Saturday, April 28. He will rest in the town for two nights before setting off again early on Monday, April 30.

Thanks to local generosity and offers of support, Martin will receive a warm welcome to Wales and his brief stay in Tenby will surely be a memorable part of his journey. The Fourcroft Hotel has offered to accommodate him without charge, while Wisemans Bridge Rowing Club will take time from preparing for their demanding row from Ireland to Wales in May in order to meet Martin offshore and accompany him into the harbour (their efforts will provide much-needed encouragement after the solo journey from Lundy!). Tenby Sailing Club has also been helpful by kindly agreeing to stow Martin's kayak, free of charge, at the harbour.

"I want to raise a significant sum of money for the NRAS charity that provides information and support for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis," said Martin.

"My interest in rheumatology comes from spending time with my auntie, Maureen, who has suffered from an aggressive form of RA for the majority of her life.

"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 once 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.

"She has driven my desire to complete this challenge for the NRAS," he explained.

Anyone interested in Martin's challenge or in sponsoring his cause, can view his website at http://www.martinkayaking.co.uk">www.martinkayaking.co.uk which provides up to date information of where he aims to be - and how his schedule of stops is going.