A DISC jockey will attempt to smash a world endurance record and raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Paul Blackett, 26, is aiming to DJ for five days to raise funds for Sophie’s Trust – a charity he set up in memory of his wife.

The world record stands at 116 hours, set by a DJ in Cyprus, who saved up the five-minute breaks allowed each hour to have a two-hour sleep.

Mr Blackett, of Bridge Street, Tow Law, County Durham, will prepare with 24- hour and 72-hour sessions in the coming months.

He said: “I have already done a 12-hour set in Tow Law and I found that really easy.

“It is not that bad. I was on from about 11am and, after 6pm, it just flew by.

“I think it is the support I had more than anything else.”

Records cannot be played twice, but Mr Blackett, who has been a DJ since he was 18, estimates he has more than 11 days’ worth of music to choose from.

He plans to undertake the world attempt over Christmas and is appealing for the owner of a round-the-clock club to help him stage the feat.

The five-day marathon will also raise the profile of Mr Blackett’s charity.

The widower is fighting Government policy on smear tests after his wife, Sophie, died from cervical cancer last year aged 23.

She was denied the test – automatically offered for over- 25s – as she was deemed at low risk of developing the potentially fatal condition because of her age.

It was not until she returned to her GP with concerns that she was found to be terminally ill. Mr Blackett’s 6,000-signature petition to make screening available to women under 25 is now with Downing Street.

Sophie’s Trust will offer support for young women and could one day pay for private smear tests.

He said the DJ challenge was a chance for him and fouryear- old son, Charlie, to concentrate on the future.

He said: “I am doing it for Sophie’s Trust, but I am also doing it for myself.

“This will be something to aim for.”

To sponsor him, call 0759-535-8038.