A retired lecturer is setting off on an epic walk around the coast of Ireland in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Dr Marty Holland is relying on strangers to put him up during his epic trek.

The “couch-surfing marathon” is all in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Warm up walk from Newquay to Ballyvaughan via Flaggy Shore 17km. Beautiful day #donate #flaggyshore #IrishCancerSoc pic.twitter.com/Usdpy8AuyU

— Coast For Cancer (@CoastForCancer) May 23, 2016

Marty says he has been inspired to take on the challenge after the death of two close friends from cancer.

“When both my friends were dying, I felt powerless,” he said.

“Apart from visits and phone calls, what can you do?

“And then I thought: ‘Well, get up there and do something because there’s more people to be supported who have cancer and families who are dealing with cancer, so I decided, look, while I’m healthy and fit and able – get out and walk.”

Anyone who wants to offer Marty a couch for the night can email [email protected]