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Duo kayak the length of the Thames after family death

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James Fenton/Chris Malles James Fenton and Chris Malles taking a selfie in their red kayak on the River Thames. James is wearing colourful glasses and a black coat. Chris has on a bright, green coat. They are both wearing blue life vests.James Fenton/Chris Malles
The pair managed to catch a high tide and finish the challenge quicker than expected

Two friends have completed a challenge of running and kayaking the length of The River Thames to raise money for a hospice.

James Fenton and Chris Malles, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, wanted to support Prospect Hospice in Wroughton after Mr Fenton's brother-in-law was cared for by the charity before his death.

Mr Fenton said: "They give end-of-life care that is second to none. It was a lovely challenge and great to make money for Prospect at the same time."

They totalled around 299km (186 miles) in three days, and raised more than £2,000.

James Fenton/Chris Malles All four men smiling to the camera in a field. They are wearing bright waterproof clothing and have on running vests.James Fenton/Chris Malles
Mr Malles and Mr Fenton completed the challenge in three days

They set off on a half marathon run on 7 June from the source of the river which is in Kemble, Gloucestershire.

For the run, the pair were joined by friends from the Dolphin Running Club, in Tetbury, Ross Bransby and Tom Fryer.

Mr Fenton said the first day was "very, very wet".

"We slept on an island which was great until we woke up in the morning and realised it was covered in goose poop," he added.

By 10 June, they managed to finish earlier than expected as they caught high tide when going through the tidal barrier.

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