Friends to Pedalo Leeds-Liverpool Canal for charity

James Thurstan (34) from Barnoldswick Road, Barrowford, will be joined by his friend John Marriot from Gargrave.

They will cover 127.5 miles of the canal, going through 91 locks.

James said: “The idea of pedalo-ing the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was born from pedalo-ing around a boating lake with my two daughters and having to do most of the work myself.

“I ran the idea by my friend, John, and we agreed it was a fantastic idea and the Man Up Pedalo Challenge was born.

“Setting off from Liverpool on Wednesday, we will be tackling the full length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in an ex-rental, bottom-of-the-range pedalo which on a good day with a following wind can reach a maximum speed of 2.2 miles an hour.

“We are hoping to arrive in Leeds – or Ireland if we turn the wrong way at the start! – on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25th.

“We are doing this to raise funds and awareness for two charities close to our hearts – Prostate Cancer UK and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

And he explained: “My charity is Prostate Cancer UK. My dad was diagnosed with the disease this year and is hoping to make a full recovery but I want to be raising awareness of the disease so early detection can help save more lives.

“In January, 2013, John’s leg was crushed in an on-farm accident and he was airlifted by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary.

“Thanks to the expertise of both YAA and the orthopaedic unit at LGI John is back working, cycling and pedalo-ing!”

They have a Sponsor Me page for people to donate online and also a facebook page: {http://www.sponsorme.co.uk/jamesthurstan/man-up-pedalo-challenge.aspx|www.sponsorme.co.uk/jamesthurstan/man-up-pedalo-challenge.aspx

And James said: “We have currently raised £500 that will be spilt equally between the two charities.

“But also, as I work for Royal Mail, they will double my charity’s money up to £2,000 and John up to £200.

“We will be hoping to pass through Pendle on Saturday, August 23rd.”