It started out as a relaxing rowing holiday.

However, pals Terry Outridge and Paul Logan, both in their 60s, set sail today on a 250-mile voyage to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of Paul’s wife Kim, who died in November aged just 55.

The pair – neither of whom are keen rowers – will be travelling along rivers and canals from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, to Bristol, something they believe has never been done before.

Retired carpenter Terry, who lives in Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, said: “I’m a little bit nervous.

“It’s something we haven’t done before and we’re not rowers or anything, but it’s for a good cause.

“We were talking about doing something for Cancer Research and thought nobody was going to sponsor us just to float about on a lake somewhere.”

Tents

Paul, originally from Romford but who now lives in West Sussex near his son and grandchildren, said: “I think we have to view it with a degree of cautious optimism.

“It’s for a good cause. There’s an awful lot of research to be done.

“If we can help in any small way, our time has been spent well.”

The journey will take the pair from the mouth of the River Nene south west towards Coventry, where Kim’s family are from, and Stratford-upon-Avon, from where Terry and Paul will travel to the mouth of the Avon at Bristol.

The two will also have to tackle about 200 locks during the challenge, which they will be undertaking in an aluminium Canadian river boat, donated by a friend and renamed the Kim Logan.

They will be sleeping in tents for the journey, which they are hoping will take just over two weeks.

“We’re looking forward to having a bit of a laugh and just taking things as they come,” added Terry.

To sponsor Terry and Paul, go to www.justgiving.com/outridge-logan.