James Bonell, engineer at sustainability consultancy Inbuilt, has just set off on his challenge to circumnavigate the British mainland in a sea kayak.

Travelling with fellow engineer and former kayak freestyle Team Great Britain team member Joe Andrews, Mr Bonell hopes the journey will take five months.

Mr Bonell, who often paddles his kayak to work in Kings Langley, said: “The first circumnavigation of Britain was achieved 30 years ago and it’s still considered an incredibly tough, complicated but rewarding challenge.

“We couldn’t have done it without the help of Inbuilt and RES, whose sponsorship means that every penny of the money we raise will go to our chosen charities.

“I’m also particularly grateful for Inbuilt’s support to take the time out to complete my dream.

“The two charities we’re supporting are very close to my heart, and I’m really hoping we can meet our ambitious sponsorship target.”

By the time the two men return to Falmouth in September, they hope to have raised £20,000 for two charities.

WaterAid, which they both support because of their professional work, and the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, which has personal significance for Mr Bonell as his sister was recently diagnosed with the disease.

To find out more about the challenge and to support their efforts with a donation, go to www.gonepaddling.co.uk

You can also keep track of exactly where they are using the tracker page on the website, which picks up GPS signals from their boats.

Luke Walsh

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