A keen paddle boarder is set to take on his most daring challenge and it is all in aid of Dementia UK.

Gareth Hughes, 50, will embark on what could be a record-breaking challenge on July 1 by paddle boarding the entire 125km (77.7 miles) length of the River Ribble.

Starting at Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire he will make his way through Selside, Settle, Clitheroe, Ribchester, and Preston to Grannies Bay in Fairhaven.

The challenge will take three full days with two nights spent wild camping. Along the way he will have to contend with waterfalls, weirs and white waters.

The Mayor of Clitheroe and National Girl Guide Association will be welcoming Gareth at Waddow Hall, the halfway point, and allowing him to camp there on the Saturday night.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Gareth said: “In the past, I have also paddle boarded from Clitheroe to Lytham St Annes.

"This worked out quite well because my brother in law lives in Clitheroe so last time the family visited, I stopped over and just paddle boarded home!

"I have traversed the Estuary from Lytham to Southport a total of 22km – crossing the Estuary at high tide, and then returned across the mud flats and salt marshes.

“However, the full length of the river has never been done before.

“The Guinness World Records have confirmed that once completed this will be a first and therefore a world record.”

Gareth said he was inspired to take on the challenge on the tenth anniversary of the death of his mum, Deirdre Hughes.

He has already raised more than £2,300 for Dementia UK.

He said: “The reason I am doing this challenge is to support Dementia UK who are a dementia nurse charity.

"Their nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide life-changing care for families affected by all forms of dementia.

“I think there will be a partial correlation between the isolation that I will experience on a river for three days to the profound isolation an advanced dementia sufferer will feel every day of their life and this is why I am supporting Team Dementia UK to manage this awful disease.”

Gareth said he was looking forward to taking on the river and added: “I am little nervous and excited at the same time. I love paddle boarding and the solitude of the river. 

“The Ribble is very rural and isolated and I will go for hours on end without seeing a living soul – although I will see plenty of wildlife.”

You can support Gareth in his efforts by clicking here.