Chichester athletes cycle length of River Thames in 24 hours

Harry Parkes and his old school friend Lewis Adams, a former Royal Marine, split the 346km distance between them, taking on 173km each on Saturday, May 2.

The distance was completed within 24 hours, with the pair finishing the challenge by 7pm the next day.

The aim was to raise as much money as possible for the ’NHS together’ group after inspiration from Colonel Tom Moore who raised more than £28 million.

Harry, who works at Active45, a fitness suite based at the Tim Peake Sports Centre in Chichester, said: “We chose this group as it has a direct link to those who are caring, providing and fighting for those suffering with COVID-19.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge, one that would mentally and physically push us, but no more challenging than what our NHS staff have to deal with on a day to day basis. It’s the least we could do and the support was incredible.”

The friends, who streamed the challenge live from their own houses via Zoom, doubled their initial target of £1,000, raising more than £2,000.

Lewis said: “If you asked me at 4am I would have said different however I enjoyed the challenge. To watch the donations for such an amazing cause keep adding up and up over the 24 hours was pure motivation to row quicker.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harry-parkes123

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