Friends are sailing across the UK for cancer charity Sheffield

A cancer survivor, his teenage son and two friends are about to embark on a 2,500-mile (4,023 km) journey around the UK coast to raise money for a Yorkshire charity.

Mark Cosgrove, who recovered from bladder cancer, will join Alfie, 17, and crewmates Graham Crowther and Eugene Campbell, both 62, for the expedition they have named- a Voyage for Hope.

The sailors, from South Yorkshire, will set sail from Whitby Harbor on June 2 and donate their sponsorship to Weston Park Cancer Charity in Sheffield.

Their 30-foot yacht, the Brierli, will take about three weeks to sail to the continent, with several stops along the way.

Mark, who runs a photography agency, also lost his mother-in-law to cancer and is still “weary” from his own treatment.

He said: “I was actually on my boat when I got the call that my wife’s mother’s condition had worsened. When I saw the care and compassion shown by the staff at Weston Park, I knew I had to do something.”

The crew will head south from Whitby, passing Plymouth and Eastbourne before sailing north to Scotland.

The last of the five stages will take them from Fraserburgh back to Whitby. Their fundraising target is £10,000.

Mark, who is the official club photographer for Barnsley FC, added: “It won’t be easy. Anyway, it’s quite a challenge, but I wasn’t good. I have outbursts from time to time.”

Supporters are encouraged to send messages that will be attached to the yacht’s hull. These can be dedicated to the memory of a loved one or someone who is currently being treated for cancer.

The charity’s fundraising manager Sam Heritage said: “We are with Mark, Alfie, Graham and Eugene every step of the way as they embark on this journey. We look forward to welcoming them to Whitby and on behalf of everyone at Weston Park Cancer Charity, we thank them immensely for their commitment.”