Fundraising duo to paddle 70 miles in bathtub for charity

Jack Burrows and Mark Brockway during a practice run. Picture: justgiving.com/thebathtubchallenge

Best friends Jack Burrows and Mark Brockway – who are both over 6ft tall – will cram themselves into the tiny tub and spend a week paddling the waterways of Scotland.

Their treacherous route will take them across through waterways including the Caledonian Canal and through Loch Ness.

The men said they are aware of the dangers of sinking, but are determined to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

Money from the challenge will go to a Multiple Sclerosis therapy centre, which cared for Mark’s father Richard Brockway before he died aged 68 before his death.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Jack told a Sunday newspaper: “It is a bit mad really. It’s something we’ve been thinking about since we were 18.

“Mark is a kayaker and knows about the Caledonian Canal so we thought, why not do it for charity in a bathtub.”

And Jack revealed that a trial run at a fish farm had gone awry, adding: “We sneaked into a fish farm to give it a try. It was alright but we were floating literally millimetres above the surface.

“It capsized and we had to drag it up from the bottom of the lake.”

Mark’s partner Penny Eaton has created a promotional video, in the style of a silent movie complete with Benny Hill soundtrack.

The pair are hoping to raise money for the Bedfordshire & Northamptonshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, which requires nearly £400,000 a year to run.

The centre relies on donations, and receives no NHS or government funding.

The duo have already raised £2341.68 at the time of writing, and are targeting at least £5,000. You can donate to the fundraising campaign here >>>