MK Dons fans to travel by kayak for three days to raise cash for hospice

Graham Durcan and Richard Nordsted, who are both in their 50s, will kayak for three days down the Grand Union canal into the Thames to Fulham football club.

The pair, who are nicknamed ‘Radar’ and ‘Bootsie’, are aiming to arrive in time for kick-off of the MK Dons v Fulham championship match on April 2.

They have set themselves a target of raising £5,000 for Willen Hospice.

Their journey will see them kayak 67 miles and cross 81 locks.

Graham said: “This trip is perhaps even more of a challenge than it sounds. Whilst we are keen kayakers, we have never done anything like this distance before.

We’re both in our 50’s, Richard has had surgery on just about every joint he’ll use in this challenge, and I have arthritis in mine but we are training hard and passionate about the cause.”

Dawn Clark, Fundraising Manager at Willen Hospice said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Radar and Bootsie are undertaking their fantastic challenge in aid of Willen Hospice. It’s really captured the imagination of a lot of people and it’s wonderful to see how much support they’ve already received.”

She added: “Willen Hospice needs to raise around £7 each and every minute of the year to provide our care, and without incredible, dedicated, generous fundraisers like Radar and Bootsie, we simply couldn’t do what we do.”

Anyone wishing to support their fundraising can donate at www.justgiving.com/richard-nordsted/