A father of two from Cornwall is set to embark on a two-month, 520-mile hike across the Pyrenees to raise money for a trio of charities.

Penryn resident Nic Beretta will be setting off on the G11 trail, one of the longest hiking routes in Europe on July, 3 in aid of Emergency, Amnesty International, and the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

The GR11, also known as the Senda Pirenaica, is considered one of the toughest hikes in Europe, running from Cape Higher in the Basque Country to Cap de Creus in Catalonia. In between are 840km of daily ascents and descents, for a total elevation gain of 46,000m and 10 passes at over 2500m of altitude.

Nic’s eight-week journey will be documented on his website where readers can track his progress in real-time via GPS, view photos taken along the journey, and donate to one or more of the charities.

Although Nic is a keen hiker, he admits that he has not attempted anything of this magnitude before.

“I’ve walked nearly every corner of every coast path in Cornwall, but only in manageable, daily chunks,” he said.

“I have visited the mountains before, but only for day hikes up and down, back to a safe haven with a hot shower and a hot meal at the end of the day. The closest I’ve got to a long-distance hike was a two-day walk in Madeira, so the GR11 is another level.”

Originally from Italy, Nic moved to Cornwall in 2010 and has since made it his home, raising his children in the area and working for Penryn-based professional audio company Allen & Heath.

“My employer has been very supportive and is letting me take the time off for this fundraising journey, although some of my colleagues think I’m crazy,” said Nic.

"But I’m hopeful that I can complete the route in less than two months, even with some days off for rest and eventualities.”

Nic has wanted to do this challenge for a while but work and family life have made it difficult, but after turning 40 this year, and with all that is happening in the world, he felt now is the right time to take on the GR11 challenge and raise money for good causes.

"I was shocked by the events unfolding in Ukraine and decided to help raise money for three organisations supporting victims of war and human rights. People can choose to donate to the cause that resonates the most with them or spread a donation between all three.

“Any contribution will mean a lot to me and to plenty of other human beings,” said Nic.

To track Nic’s progress and donate, visit: https://gr11challenge.com/