TWO kayakers will attempt to paddle down the whole navigable length of the Dorset River Stour at the end of the month to raise money for two charities.

Michael Koch and his friend Ben Mallinson will start their journey on August 28, travelling from Gillingham to the coast at Christchurch Harbour.

The entire river from its source at Stourhead is 61 miles long and Michael estimates it will take them two or even three days, depending on the river flow.

A spokesperson for the pair said: “As far as their online search can determine, no-one has ever embarked on such a venture before, and if so, they will be true pioneers.”

Both are very experienced kayakers, and have the required waterways licence. They will set off early on August 28 from the river by Waitrose in Gillingham.

Ben Mallinson

The intrepid pair are raising money and awareness for two charities: ReadEasy Blackmore Vale North with aims to help adults who cannot read, and Yeovil, Sherborne and District Samaritans – supporting those in emotional distress.

Michael and Ben will have to traverse through weed-choked stretches, get past trees fallen across the river, cope with low bridges and any changes in the river level due to dry weather or heavy rain.

When fully loaded, at low water their kayaks just scrape the bottom at a minimum depth of about half a metre.

Michael Koch

ReadEasy is a national registered charity that helps adults across England who cannot read at all or can only barely read, many of whom have dyslexia.

The Blackmore Vale North branch offers free one-to-one coaching in North Dorset, South Somerset and south west Wiltshire, using the latest phonics techniques, in a discreet setting by our trained coaches, meeting their readers twice a week.

A spokesperson for Read Easy said: “If you think you know someone who would benefit from this help, please encourage them to find out more without obligation by  calling our friendly coordinator Lesley on 07510 250 365 or email bvn-sturminstercoordinator@readeasy.org.uk”

Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, contactable at any time through its freephone helpline: 116 123.

To donate to the JustGiving pages visit https://shorturl.at/jBqDB, and https://shorturl.at/aob2n