Amputees prepare their paddles for canoe challenge

Amputees and their families have been practising their paddling ahead of the fundraiser on the River Stour

A team of amputees and challengers are set to canoe 26 miles (42km) to support other people who have endured life-changing operations.

They will set off from Sudbury, Suffolk, on Saturday and paddle east along the River Stour, which marks the border with Essex, before finishing in Cattawade on Sunday.

The event will raise money for Cambridgeshire charity Steel Bones, which assists amputees and their families.

Gary Hawksworth, who lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident, said the challenge would be a "fantastic, arduous adventure".

Several amputees, including two double-amputees who have recently undergone their operations, are set to take part in the fundraiser.

They are due to stop at a campsite on Saturday evening before continuing towards the coast.

More than £6,000 has been raised ahead of the two-day challenge

Mr Hawksworth, who suffered his life-changing injury in 2014, created the challenge.

He said his accident "brought home" how important it was to receive support from other people.

"[The challenge] will raise crucial funds to help more people who need crisis support," he said.

He thanked canoe clubs in both Sudbury and Colchester for assisting with the fundraiser, which has raised more than £6,000 so far.