NATHAN Amery is taking on a 30-hour kayaking challenge – from Devizes to Westminster Bridge this weekend – to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

The 37-year-old, from Haslemere, was inspired to take on the challenge after his friend had a stroke at the age of 35, just five weeks after he got married.

Nathan told The Herald said: “I couldn’t believe a stroke could happen to someone so young.

“I always assumed strokes only happened to old people. Seeing the struggle my best mate has been through since having a stroke has motivated me to want to do as much as I can to help others.

“My friend Brendon will be joining me on the challenge.

“We will be setting off from Devizes via the Kennet and Avon canal, on a 125-mile journey in a two-man kayak, on Saturday, March 31.

“Along the way we’ll be tackling 77 portages, and spending up to 30 hours sat a few feet apart as we attempt to complete the journey to Westminster Bridge. The finish time is not important to us, we just want to focus on raising as much money as possible to recognise the strength and character of our friend, and raise money for a very worthy cause.”

Stroke Association fundraising manager Becky Beard said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Nathan and Brendan for choosing to support the Stroke Association.

“Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke. The money raised by Nathan and Brendan will go towards helping more stroke survivors and their families to rebuild their lives.”

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year – around one every five minutes.

There are more than 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.

The Stroke Association works directly with stroke survivors, campaigns to improve stroke care and funds research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke.