BOURNEMOUTH friends Anthony Foy and David Blow will attempt the world’s longest non-stop canoe race to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.

The 125-mile Devizes to Westminster Challenge takes around 25 hours, travelling down the Kennet and Avon Canal, along the River Thames and into the heart of London.

Anthony, 31, and 30-year-old David decided to take on the challenge in support of Anthony’s dad, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a progressive condition, 10 years ago.

They will set off on Friday, March 29 at 9pm.

“It is a charity very close to our hearts” said Anthony.

“Before Dad was diagnosed, Parkinson’s was a condition I had heard about, but didn’t know much about.

“Seeing my dad live with the condition has really opened my eyes to how difficult it can be. As well as raising funds I hope our challenge will raise awareness.”

He said he and David have been training off Bournemouth beach and on the River Stour.

Director of fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, Paul Jackson-Clark, said: “Kayaking for over 24 hours is a huge test of endurance and we are incredibly grateful to both Anthony and David for taking on this epic challenge in our name.

“Every hour in the UK someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s and we hope that seeing Anthony and David battling against varying tides and underwater currents as they compete will get people thinking about this little-understood condition. I wish them the best of luck.”

Anyone who wishes to support them should go to virginmoneygiving.com/team/tsul