TWO determined canoers will paddle 134 miles along the River Stour to raise money to buy much-needed water tanks in Zimbabwe.

Teresa Yonge, 63, of Dedham Road, Langham, and her daughter’s partner James Perkins, 30, have embarked on a “peaceful adventure” to raise £5,000 for the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre, in Zimbabwe.

The duo has already raised almost £3,000.

Teresa said about eight more water storage tanks are still needed at the centre and she hopes she can fundraise for at least five more.

A water tank costs £800 not including transportation and building materials.

Teresa said her uncle, John Bradburne, lived in Mutemwa for the last ten years of his life, caring for the community there, who were living with the devastating effects of leprosy.

Teresa said she usually canoes across England, going solo on River Thames, but due to the lockdown restrictions she decided to team up with James.

They have already paddled 47.4 miles and still have about 87 miles to go, doing about six laps between Sudbury and Cattawade near Brantham.

The mum-of-three said she hopes to complete the course in two to three weeks.

She said: “I prefer to go on my own, I’m more of an independent adventurer and traveller.

“But right now, I’m not camping because of the lockdown and the restrictions in place.

“My daughter and her partner thought they would help me out, so James joined in and my daughter helps with drop offs and pick-ups.

“When I canoe on the Thames, I live wild for two to three weeks, that’s what I love.

“It’s a joy for me and a pleasure to live in harmony with the river and nature.”

Teresa added the quest is not physically challenging as they go with the flow and speed of the river.

“I enjoy the beauty of the river and it’s good to do something positive during lockdown, especially supporting the less fortunate,” she added.

Her last sponsored paddle, which took place three years ago along the River Thames, allowed three water tanks to be bought for the patients living with leprosy at Mutemwa.

To support Teresa and James’ fundraising efforts donate via https://bit.ly/31ZzTRg.