A POTENTIALLY life-threatening situation has been transformed into a life-saving opportunity by one Hatherleigh resident.

Usually, fire or smoke inhalation kills, but when Chris Brown-Martin inhaled smoke from the George fire in December 2008, it triggered a health check-up which resulted in the finding of a potentially life-shortening condition.

As a result of a number of tests, at the age of 26 Chris was found to have Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1ATD), an inherited condition causing lung and liver damage.

Now, Chris is planning to kayak 26 miles along the rivers Lew and Torridge from Hatherleigh to Bideford, raising money for three vital charities.

Chris said: 'I was very lucky really. In a strange way, had it not been for the fire, I would probably not have found out.'

Wanting to do something to help save others' lives, Chris decided to raise money for three vital charities — Alpha-1 Awareness UK, Cancer Research UK, and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Chris said: 'The last time I kayaked was when I was at school when I was about 14, and I'm now 28. We did a practice recently and it took us two and a half hours to do one sixth of the route. I think it's going to be an all-day event.

'We've been amazed at how supportive the local community has been so far. Local businesses here in Hatherleigh have allowed us to put collection boxes all over the place, and Adventure Okehampton and AS Watersports in Exeter approached us, asking if we would like to borrow their kayaks for the day.'

For those who do not fancy braving the chilly waters, there will also be a sponsored cycle ride accompanying the kayakers. Nine others will be accompanying Chris down the river, while around ten people will cycle the route.

The event will take place during March, but dates and times are tide dependent.

Donations can be made in person at Hatherleigh Motor Services at Bridge Garage, or online at http://www.justgiving.com">www.justgiving.com adding /kayak-and-cycle-event0 for Cancer Research UK, /kayak-and-cycle-event1 for Devon Air Ambulance, or /kayak-and-cycle-event2 for Alpha-! Awareness UK.