Bradford on Avon canoeing team race to Westminster for Wiltshire Air Ambulance

It will be the fourth time that Mike Purchas, 68, from Trowbridge and Nigel Unwin, 50, from Corsham will join together to take on the non-stop race which is considered to be an ultimate endurance event in the sporting calendar.

Mr Purchas, who is a semi-retired design engineer, said this year’s race will be his last after competing eight times before but hopes that they make the journey in less than 20 hours to add to his 1000 mile streak.

He added: “We try to do the race in a certain amount of time around 20 hours and the average time is 25-26 hour’s non-stop.

“We have done the race under 20 hours previously and we are fairly confident on this year’s race depending on the weather condition.”

The annual Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race is traditionally held over the Easter weekend and will see crews paddle double racing kayaks along the Kennet and Avon canal to Reading.

Pairs will then be able to join the Thames for the remainder of the race, finishing under Westminster Bridge beside the Houses of Parliament in central London.

The duo, who have been paddling together for more than 15 years as a K2 doubles team, hope to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, a charity which they have continued to support at the canoeing club.

Mr Unwin, who also competes as a quadrathlete, said: “It is just a great cause and it is the third time we have supported the Wiltshire Air Ambulance together.

“It is one of the hardest things I have ever done and you do get tired and the biggest thing for me is that you get a numb bum.”

They train at least three times a week and rack up 25 miles a time in preparation for the race where they will be one of the oldest teams taking part with a combined age of 118.

The will begin their 125 mile journey at midday on Saturday and will reach Westminster around 8am on Sunday.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/MikePurchasandNigelUnwinDW2015.