Canal pedalo challenge raises £6,000

James Thurstan (34) from Barnoldswick Road, Barrowford, made the trip from Liverpool to Leeds along with his friend John Marriot from Gargrave.

They pedalled along covering 127.25 miles – including many miles through Pendle, of course! It was called the Man Up Pedalo Challenge and after six days, 80 hours pedalo-ing, four breakdowns and four legs with shin splints, they managed to complete it.

James and John’s days started at around 5am to be on the canal at 6am, and finished after dark at around 9-30pm. On some days they were pedalo-ing for 15 hours with only five-minute breaks a few times over the day. They were constantly surprised by people’s support and their generosity.

Along with the online “Sponsor Me” site, sponsor forms and canal-side donations, they have made approximately £6,000, although donations are still coming in. This will be split between the two chosen charities. James came up with Prostate Cancer UK and John’s charity was Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

They enjoyed the challenge, although it is a once-in-a-lifetime deal! The highlight for them both was going through the Foulridge Mile Tunnel. If anybody would still like to donate, go to https://www.sponsorme.co.uk/jamesthurstan/man-up-pedalo-challenge.aspx