DOUG Hodson does not have full control of his left leg but he doesn't let that stop him doing what he enjoys.
The 58-year-old Perth man has no feeling, muscles or control of the lower part of his left leg due to suffering from and surviving sarcoma, which is a cancer that starts in tissues like bone, cartilage, fat and muscle, all of which are known as connective tissues.
"The tumour was about the size of a porterhouse steak and it was wrapped around my sciatic nerve so that got severed when they removed it," Mr Hodson said.
Despite this, the Perth man is competing in this year's Avon Descent, an event he describes as the "pinnacle of kayak racing in Perth", in a team of four.
"The biggest challenge will be for the members of our team who paddle the stretches with Ti trees and the rapids in the Avon Valley," he said.
"In the Ti tree section, the water way is very narrow and windy and has overhanging branches.
"The rapids in the Avon Valley are quite intimidating for the uninitiated."
Mr Hodson loves kayaking.
It's his hobby, a form of exercise and a big part of his social life so having a plastic splint, is a way he can take part in the sport.
August's Avon Descent will be the first for Mr Hodson and he's using the challenging event as a way to raise money for a cancer foundation called Sock it to Sarcoma.
Mr Hodson said the foundation, which was started in 2012, aimed to fund research into Sarcoma and he wanted to support the organisation.
"Sarcomas make up just one per cent of all adult cancers but are responsible for 15 per cent of paediatric cancers.
"They are fatal for about one third of child cases.
"I am a lucky survivor, thanks to a fantastic medical team in Perth.
"I feel very fortunate to have survived the sarcoma I had with the level of functionality I have.
"I have enjoyed fighting the challenges the compromised function has presented, the kayaking is part of that fight."
To prepare for the Avon Descent Mr Hodson and is team mates have been doing a lot of training.
"We race at Canning Canoe Club every Tuesday evening, Ascot Kayak Club every Wednesday evening, Canoeing Downunder Ascot every Saturday morning and WA Canoeing Marathons approximately every third Sunday."
To make a contribution to Mr Hodson and his team's fundraising plight, people can visit give.everydayhero.com/au/hodson-doug
He plans to compete every year and raise money for the Sock it to Sarcoma foundation each time.
