TWO intrepid fundraisers are embarking on a mammoth kayaking challenge today in the hope of breaking a world record and raising money for charity. Gorleston GP Dr Simon Worsley and Hopton man Ian Castro will today, weather permitting, set off from Southwold on the 87-mile journey to Zeebrugge, Holland.
TWO intrepid fundraisers are embarking on a mammoth kayaking challenge today in the hope of breaking a world record and raising money for charity.
Gorleston GP Dr Simon Worsley and Hopton man Ian Castro will today, weather permitting, set off from Southwold on the 87-mile journey to Zeebrugge, Holland.
The duo will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record, already held by Dr Worsley, as they raise money for Palliative Care East plans to build a hospice care centre in the region.
Dr Worsley, 54, first broke the record with friend Rod Cooke in August 1997 and has been planning his second attempt for two years.
On the mammoth journey he will be joined by youth support worker Mr Castro, 44.
With the aim of rowing five miles per hour, the challenge will put the duo under immense physical pressure - with only room for limited water and food supplies.
Dr Worsley, who has practised at Central Surgery for 20 years, said their route crossed busy shipping lanes. He said: 'The North Sea has some of the most congested shipping lanes in the world and these are large vessels which travel at high speed. The hardest thing is keeping out of their way.'
The daring duo will be accompanied by a support vessel which will use its radar to alert them to the position of ships, although the escort vessel cannot provide any other help, except in emergency.
Any money raised in sponsorship will go towards the �1.5m James Paget appeal, which aims to build a dedicated palliative care centre in the grounds of the James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston.
Dr Worsley said: 'As a GP I'm aware of the need in this area for that kind of centre which we currently haven't got. End-of-life care would be much improved and this is increasingly important in an ageing population.'
To sponsor Dr Worsley and Mr Castro, visit http://justgiving.com/ NorthSeaCrossingGuinnessWorldRecordAttempt
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