This is the 7th annual event and to date we have raised almost £24,000 for local causes including 2 defibrillators, a van for a food bank charity, a minibus for local groups, a skate park, numerous sports kits and equipment for a boxing club.

Despite a triple keyhole shoulder operation in March I am determined to complete the event which I co-founded as I recognise the difference the money makes to the local community.

To help me complete the race I randomly selected a friend to paddle with, a chap called Tim Brabants, who I later found out was an Olympic gold medalist in canoeing. I am hoping that his technical ability will make up for my lack of ability and he can add some muscle to our attempt to finish the race which takes place on the 30th June and 1st July between Wolseley Bridge and Colwick Marina in Nottingham.

I have left this fund raising campaign very late in the day but I am hoping that with your help I can achieve my target. As an added incentive my company Phillips 66 will match any donations up to £1500!