AN INSPIRATIONAL Greenock man who was given the last rites as a baby is gearing up for a 750-mile cycle through three countries in just nine days.

Chris Roy was diagnosed with oesophageal atresia — a rare condition whereby the oesophagus went into his lung instead of his stomach — and doctors at Yorkhill feared he would not survive a life-saving operation, inset left. The serious condition occurs in about one in every 4,000 births.

Thankfully Chris, now 29, made it through the procedure and is perfectly fit and healthy — and about to face his toughest challenge yet as he raises funds for the hospital which saved his life.

The graphic designer has drawn up plans for an ambitious 750-mile (1,200km) adventure from Barcelona along the coast around the Mediterranean through France and finally finishing up in the small town of Portofino in Italy.

He will be joined by partner Iwona Sztorc, 31, for the nine-day sponsored cycle and they hope to raise a small fortune. The challenge follows on from Chris’ near 700-mile cycle around France in 2012 which raised nearly £4,000 for Yorkhill.

Now the couple are gearing up to go even further and push themselves to the limit in aid of a cause close to their hearts.

Keen cyclist Chris said: “The last time I was asked how much I was hoping to raise from it and it was just a case of ‘as much as I can’.” The couple will spend an average of 80 miles a day on the saddle and will face their toughest section on the eighth day as they climb over 8,283ft — nearly 4,000ft higher than Ben Nevis — up the South West edge of the Alps. They will also pass over the edge of the Pyrenees mountain range and four days out of the nine will feature ascents of more than 6,000ft.

But Chris says they will savour the gorgeous coastline of places along the way, including Marseille, St Tropez, Monaco and Genoa.

He said: “I knew Iwona when I did the last trip but we weren’t together.

“When I returned she asked how it was and I said it had been amazing, with so many great memories.

“She then asked if I’d do it again as she’d love to try it too. She was nervous about the trip at first but we were out last weekend doing 90 miles with some nice, steep hills — which she didn’t thank me for! But if we can go through the pain now it will be easier on the actual trip and we can enjoy it more.” For more details about the pair’s trip and to make a donation, visit cycle-charity.org online