A GROUP of breast cancer survivors will take to the water and paddle for 26 miles along the River Stour.

The Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team from Christchurch will embark on their ‘moon paddle’ on May 11.

It will take place on the same day as the breast cancer charity Walk the Walk MoonWalk in London.

The MoonWalk sees people walk through the streets of London through the night to raise money and awareness for breast cancer causes.

The route will see the paddlers travel from Hengistbury Head Education Centre, past Christchurch Sailing Club, Tuckton Tea Gardens and the Riverside Inn and on towards Iford Bridge before they head back again several times.

Anyone who sees the team as the make their way up and down the river between 2pm and 11pm, is being encouraged to shout messages of support for the paddlers. People are also being invited to share pictures on Instagram.

Money raised from the team’s challenge will go towards storing and maintaining the dragon boats and supply each member with kit and safety equipment.

A spokesperson said: “Breast cancer affects one in three people (men and women) and after treatment it can sometimes be a lonely place. This charity provides a sport based programme which aims to promote the physical and mental health of those who have had treatment – but there is a social side to the charity too and the friendship, support and understanding amongst the members is one of its great strengths.”

To make a donation visit https://wonderful.org/fundraiser/pinkchampagnemoonpaddle-c5d31580 and to find out more about the team visit pinkchampagne.org.uk.

Members must have completed their treatment at least three months previously.