A sport scientist and army veteran are attempting the Canoe for Cancer challenge to raise funds for cancer charities Anthony Nolan and Prostate Cancer UK.

Karen Savage, 43, from Wallington, and Gareth Minchin, 44, from Theale, Reading, are attempting to canoe the Great Glen Canoe Trail next month.

They will canoe from Fort William to Inverness, Scotland, from August 16 to August 21, covering almost 100km in six days.

They will also be completing challenges sent in by requests from their followers on Twitter and Facebook.

Despite having no previous canoeing experience, the pair has taken on the challenge after being inspired by the work of the charities and their parents who were both cancer sufferers.

Mr Minchin’s father, John, died in 2012 from prostate cancer and Miss Savage’s mother, Maureen, battled breast cancer from 1997 until 2005.

Although being nervous about getting injured and stormy weather conditions, sports scientist Miss Savage said: “This challenge might be tough but it is nothing compared to what Gareth’s dad and my mum went through.”

Anthony Nolan supports people with blood cancer and Prostate Cancer UK is the UK’s largest men’s health charity fighting to help more men survive prostate cancer and enjoy a better quality of life.

The pair is hoping to raise £5,000 for the charities but their main goal is to raise awareness for the cause.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/canoeforcancer to donate, or text KSCC73£10 to 70070 or GMCC81£10 to 70070.