A REDDITCH dad and daughter are taking on an oar-some challenge to raise cash for a charity which helps families of children with cancer.
Michael Birkinshaw and 15-year old Mia plan to kayak 30 miles a day over four days from London to Birmingham via the Grand Union Canal.
They are joining other volunteers and a support crew for the Harry Helps Others Kayaking event which starts on August 2.
The Birmingham-based charity aims to help find a cure for Brain Cancer but also help children and their families who are affected by any cancer, and the people who support them.
Michael said: “I think everyone in the Midlands has heard of this charity thanks to 11-year-old Harry Moseley, who died in 2011.
“Despite having a brain tumour, he inspired lots of people to raise cash for charity. His legacy lives on.
“Myself and Mia have got the easy bit really – it’s the families and children who continue to be affected by cancer who face tough challenges everyday.
“But I hope our efforts, and Harry’s story, encourage people to dig deep and sponsor us.”
In all 16 people in 15 kayaks will be making the journey, setting off from just inside the M25 and covering 116 miles in four days, tackling 104 locks in the process.
“I first got in a kayak back in October when we first came up with the idea,” said Mike, who used to live close to the Harry Moseley Cancer Centre.
“A group of us do an event every year for the Harry Moseley charity, Help Harry Help Others and hit upon the idea of kayaking from London to Birmingham,” said Mike.
Mia volunteered to take part too and then the training began, paddling a section of the canal from Lifford Lane in Kings Norton up to Brindleyplace.
“It’s a great cause – we’re booked in to Travel Lodges along the way and we’ll be out there trying to raise as much money as possible for the cause,” said Mike.
You can support Michael and Mia at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MikeBirkinshaw18 and find out more about Harry’s charity here.
