The trip will take the team to Alaska

Adrian Disney is one of two disabled members of a team of eight who will paddle for three months from the western city of Vancouver to Alaska.

The biology teacher from Atlantic College in Llantwit Major, near Bridgend, will be raising money for outdoor activities for disabled people.

Mr Disney has done a lot of kayaking since he started using a wheelchair after breaking his back.

The journey will take the team in an open sea kayak to the Alaskan town of Juneau along a former trading route.

"It's never been done by disabled people, this particular route," said Mr Disney.

It will throw up some unusual challenges - unpredictable weather, wildlife, tidal races and currents Adrian Disney

"It's a historical route that connects together Vancouver with the north Pacific, a trading route, very good fishing waters.

"There will be eight of us altogether; two of us who normally use wheelchairs and six who don't.

"Part of the reason we're doing this trip is we're developing equipment and techniques that will allow disabled people to participate in adventurous activities as participants, rather than being taken."

He said the team would be looking after each other, but added he and the other disabled member of the team would face certain challenges.

"Neither of us can use our hips or knees or feet which actually are used to control the boat an awful lot more than people realise.

"A lot of it is going on below the deck, tilting the boat one way or the other."

Inspire

The team is carrying out the journey through the charity Interventure, supported by its patron, the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Mr Disney added: "It will throw up some unusual challenges - unpredictable weather, wildlife, tidal races and currents."

As well as fundraising and developing techniques, they are aiming to inspire other disabled people to take part in outdoor activities.

The expedition is flying out to Canada on Friday and will start their epic journey on 9 June.