A man is planning to trek across the Grand Canyon in memory of his wife who died from skin cancer.

Harry Townsend, 65, and four members of the British Airways Wingspan rugby team will climb 26,000ft and cover 45 miles.

The recommended time for the challenge is six days but rugby coach Mr Townsend and his team intend to do the climb in just two days in a bid to raise £50,000 for the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.

Mr Townsend, of Manor Road, East Grinstead, said: "It is a pretty awesome thing to do. Imagine the hottest day in Greece, add ten degrees and then do a marathon.

"Once you start you can't go back. There are no side roads and no cars passing by. If you need help you have to be airlifted out which costs £2,000."

Mr Townsend's wife Myfanwy was 60 when she died in October 1999 after a short second battle against malignant melanoma.

It prompted Mr Townsend to start the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund, with the goal of raising £1 million.

He said: "We want to support the hospital because it is the plastic surgery centre for the South-East."

Mr Townsend has come up with a novel way of keeping in contact with any individual or company who sponsors the team.

They are planning to send postcards of the team to everyone who donates money from the Grand Canyon in Arizona when they take up the challenge next month.

A spokesman for the Queen Victoria Hospital said: "Of course we would be delighted to receive money, which is very welcome.

"It is now a question of deciding what equipment to buy and what is best and most effective."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Townsend can call him on 01342 322508 or email townsendharry@btinternet.com To find out more, visit www.melanoma-fund.co.uk