Norman Surplus, 47, will wave goodbye to his wife and two young children as he flies away in the lightweight aircraft, also known as an autogyro, from a playing field in his hometown of Larne, Co Antrim.

While he has an arduous four months of solo travel ahead of him, Norman has already completed a remarkable journey to even get to the start.

Five years ago his outlook was bleak when he was diagnosed with cancer. But after months of treatment he defeated the disease and is now intent on breaking a world record to raise money for cancer research.

"Before I got cancer I had never done anything like this," he said. "And then when I was recovering after surgery and chemotherapy at the Belfast Cancer Centre, I saw this programme about someone restoring an autogyro on one of those daytime television shows.

"That's when I had the idea for this expedition - I thought that would be quite a change of scene.

"Part of this is to raise funds and awareness for cancer charities but hopefully it will also encourage people who are in the position today that I was in.

"Five years ago my future looked very grim, but five years on things are completely different. That's a nice thought to be able to have."

No-one has ever managed to circumnavigate the globe in the flimsy predecessor to the modern-day helicopter.

With his schedule timed to avoid rainy season in the sub continent, he will fly from east to west round the globe, hoping to land back in Larne some time in mid-July.