KAYAKERS are gearing up for a marathon paddle from Portland to the Isle of Wight for Help for Heroes.

Former serviceman Lee Watton, 38, from Portland was inspired to take on the challenge after nearly six years in the navy.

He said: “No one gives those in the forces any credit. It’s me doing my bit to help them.”

He said he was looking forward to the challenge and it had taken 18 months to plan and organise.

He said: “We leave at 5am on Saturday June 4, from the sailing academy slipway.

“At present there are just two kayaks – myself and Martin Richards on a tandem and Adrian Green in a single. Adrian, who owns UK Kayaking with his wife Barbara, will be travelling down from Sussex to undertake the challenge.

“We would be very grateful to anyone who can help and back up the first support boat with a second. We also need someone who can help by donating fuel to the support boats.

“We have on board the support boat Opus Richard Stevens, the owner, and my father-in-law Keith Broadfield for moral support. Adrian will be bringing friends down from Sussex and they will help with their rigid inflatable boat.”

He added: “We are hoping to get to Yarmouth in about 10 hours, from there we will travel onto Lymington, where we will meet up with my wife Lisa, who has been a great support to me over the last year of getting this together, our children Drew and Tia, my mother-in-law Sue Broadfield, Martin’s wife Vera, Adrian’s wife Barbara.

“Our biggest thanks go to Windtek for the loan of the tandem kayak and extras and O-Three for kitting us out in our wetsuits and gear.”

To support the cause online visit bmycharity.com and search leenmartinskayak under the ‘find a friend’ section.

Anyone who can provide a safety boat is asked to call the Dorset Echo on 01305 830984.