THE general manager of a Basingstoke food wholesaler has taken on challenge to cross the English Channel for charity.

Chris Walkden, general manager of Bidfood’s Basingstoke depot, in Hamilton Close, along with his friend of 20 years Duncan Marsh, decided to kayak the more than 20 miles across the stretch of water separating England and France.

Chris and Duncan tirelessly kayaked for over six hours from Rye in East Sussex, to Boulogne on the coast of France, passing through the Dover Strait - the world’s busiest shipping lane, which up to 600 ships a day pass through.

In completing their gruelling challenge, the pair managed to raise more than £4,000 for Treloar’s Trust, The Molly McLaren Foundation, and the Tyler Reader Brighter Future Fund.

Treloar’s Trust is a registered charity and operates in the field of education, providing a range of facilities, from therapy and medical support, to helping young people aged between two and 25-years-old with severe physical disabilities.

Chris said: “I am extremely proud to be raising money for a charity as worthy as Treloar’s Trust.

“It is a remarkable and life-changing place that dedicates it’s time to looking after over 170 people struggling with physical difficulties.

“The trust encounters frequent daily challenges when it comes to the care of its members, so it seemed fitting that I take on my own personal challenge to support all the great work they do.”

Lucinda Gillingham, head of fundraising development at Treloar’s Trust, said: “We are delighted that Chris kayaked across the English Channel to support Treloar’s and the physically disabled young people who come to our school and college to live, learn and achieve.

To support the fundraising efforts, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-walkden.