A DAREDEVIL flying ace who overcame cancer is finally set for lift-off in his record-breaking attempt to fly solo around the world.

Fifty-nine-year old Manuel Queiroz, of Pirton, near Pershore, won a battle against bowel cancer six years ago after doctors noticed symptoms while he was having an appendix operation.

And for the past three years he has made it his task to arrange the 24,000-mile round-the-world voyage to repay those who saved his life, raising cash for Cancer Research UK.

Now the dream is about to become a reality as he takes off from Gloucestershire airport at Staverton on Tuesday, February 28. The adventurer - who recently became a grandfather - initially planned to take off in September 2003 but experienced turbulence due to the troubles in the Middle East, bureaucracy hold-ups and funding setbacks.

However, the determined individual battled on, also making modifications to the single-engine Van Grunsven RV6 aircraft - including a new engine, propeller and larger fuel tank - to ensure it lasts the distance.

It took him several months to repair a damaged wing but over the last few weeks his plans have been coming together. He is now making last-minute preparations sifting through paperwork, applying for visas and ensuring he has sufficient refuelling stops.

His Chasing The Sun Marathon which will hopefully see him set a new world record for an aircraft weighing less than 1,000kg circumnavigating the globe in an easterly direction.

To be in with a chance of hitting the history books the car renovator - who has put his business on hold to concentrate on the task - needs to complete it in less than 23 days. He said: "Having survived cancer I'm demonstrating you can achieve anything you want to and something like that should not stop you.

"There's also the fact that the ultimate cross-country flight has to be around the world! It's been a big task and it's the culmination of three years of my life so it feels marvellous - I'm confident I'll do it otherwise there would be no point in me trying."

Mr Queiroz's route will take him to Malta, Egypt, Dubai, Bombay, Burma, the Philippines, the Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, California, Texas, North Carolina, Canada, the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal - before returning home.

Anyone wanting to sponsor him can contact him on 07973 149121.