Last year a team of firefighters from Eastbourne community fire station endured a grueling 50-mile kayak along the river Thames, so far raising £6,700 for charity.

The group, who have named themselves 'Blazing Paddles', were accompanied by staff from the two organizations benefiting from this event - St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne and the Pevensey Ward at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

The team will continue their fundraising efforts this year aiming to reach their target of £10,000 with 'Blazing Paddles II: Cruise the Ouse' on Sunday 24th May.

They will paddle 20 miles along the River Ouse, over fallen trees and weirs, from Newick near Uckfield, through Lewes and Newhaven Harbour and then out into the Channel to Seaford. This is expected to take approximately 6 hours.

Chris Ellison - best known for playing Detective Inspector Burnside in ITV's 'The Bill' - is supporting this event and recently met the team to wish them luck. He is pictured with some of the kayakers taking on this challenge.

Firefighter Matt Harrison, organiser of this event, said: "We are looking to reach our ultimate goal of raising £10,000 through personal sponsorship, public support and by holding a prize draw.

This event marks the 11th anniversary my successful fight with cancer. Back in 1997, I underwent 9 months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to combat a large tumour in my chest, followed by a further 9 months of getting 'fit' to return to work.

One decade on, I'm still fighting fit, well nearly! As well as celebrating this important milestone, we are keen to support the medical team that have helped me, my family and so many others."

To show your support by sponsoring the kayakers, to provide equipment or to take part, contact Matt Harrison on 07989 727484.