Canoeing quartet to row from Ickleford to the wash to raise money for Bloodwise in memory of Bleach Boys singer Simon Kelly

Canoe quartet Frank Gollogly, Neil Norman, Adrian Le Roux and Phil Parker are planning to canoe from Ickleford to the Wash to raise money for Bloodwise. (Image: Archant)

Neil Norman, Phil Parker, Frank Gollogly and Adrian Le Roux are the four pals rowing to the Wash in memory of their friend Simon Kelly, the original singer with seminal Hitchin punk band the Bleach Boys.

The cash raised by the endeavour will go to Bloodwise, a charity that helps fund research into blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

“Neil was close to Simon, both socially and from the band, so we all knew him from there,” said Frank.

“We all like outdoor activities, and we just thought one day, how about doing something a little bit different, and in the process raising some money for a good cause?

Canoe quartet Neil Norman, Phil Parker, Frank Gollogly and Adrian Le Roux practising for their expedition from Ickleford to the Wash to raise money for Bloodwise. (Image: Archant)

“We’ve all done charity things before, but not canoeing.”

The challenge brings together skills from a wide range of professions – Neil’s a builder, Phil’s an acupuncturist, Adrian’s an accountant and Frank’s a fire officer. All are in their 40s.

“I’d say we’re all about the same level so far as canoeing goes,” said Frank.

“We’ve done a bit over the years. We’ve been training a lot on the river and we’ve taken good guidance from qualified instructors – so we’re getting there.”

The team will be setting out from Lower Green next Thursday, May 26, and intend to reach the sea four days later on Monday, May 30.

They will row along the River Hiz, then the Ivel, and finally up the Great Ouse to the Wash.

As the Comet went to press, the quartet were already closing in on their £2,000 fundraising target.

To help them over the line, visit www.justgiving.com/Ickleford-to-The-Wash-2016.