A pair of friends are set to take to the water in a row-cord breaking 100-mile charity challenge along the River Nene. John Green (23) and Harry Horsley (26) will start their epic voyage – which they are calling Jewel of the Nene – from Warwick, on Saturday and will row down the Grand Union Canal before joining the River Nene at Northampton. They are hoping to finish at the Boathouse pub in Peterborough the following Saturday.
The pair both lost a parent to cancer and will be raising cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care. John, who lives in Thorpe Lea Road in the city centre, said: "It is going to be a steep learning curve, but I am confident we will succeed. "We have put in a lot of training, so I am sure it will be worth it.
" Last year James rowed from Long Buckby, in Northamptonshire, to Peterborough with another friend, Jamie Howard, raising a total of £270 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. But while Jamie was unavailable for this year's event, John was determined to complete another challenge and to raise more cash for a good cause. He said: "I planned it for this time of year, as the days are at their longest, the weather should be at its best and all the children are in school so they can't throw things at us.
" The pair have been drumming up support from their friends and family members, as they hoping to smash last year's sponsorship total by breaking through the £1,000 barrier. Harry, from Bretton, Peterborough, said: "I lost my father James to cancer last year, and John's mother, Judy, died from cancer in 2000, so we both feel very strongly about helping the charity out. "They do an excellent job, and it will be nice to help other people who are in the same situation as we have been in.
" Marie Curie Cancer Care provides free nursing care to cancer patients and those with other terminal illnesses in their own homes. The charity employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals and provides care to around 25,000 people every year, along with support for their families. During their arduous challenge, John and Harry will have to contend with a 1.
5-mile long tunnel and over 90 locks. John added: "Last year we had to carry the boat around the locks, and it looks like we may have to do the same again." They are also going to be camping by the side of the river each night, and Harry is looking forward to the experience.
He said: "I haven't been in a tent since I was in the Cubs years ago, so it should be a lot of fun." Anyone who wishes to support the pair, or wants to keep up to date with their progress, can do so by visiting their website at www.jewelofthenene.
co.uk. A pair of friends are set to take to the water in a row-cord breaking 100-mile charity challenge along the River Nene.
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