A 75-YEAR-OLD man is kayaking along Stourbridge canal to raise money for Action Heart, a cardiovascular rehab charity.

Les Saunders has been using Action Heart, which is based at Russells Hall Hospital for over ten years and wants to give something back - by kayaking 500 miles.

The retired school teacher has been coaching and teaching kayaking since 1967, but this challenge is one of his most ambitious.

Les said: "Action Heart has lost a lot of money due to the Covid pandemic so I wanted to set myself a challenge to support them.

Stourbridge News: Les is kayaking 500 miles to raise funds for Action Heart.Les is kayaking 500 miles to raise funds for Action Heart.

"I am kayaking a number of miles each week and have been doing this for three weeks now. I have reached 27 miles so I have still got a long way to go.

"Originally I wanted to finish the challenge in 13 weeks but now I am hoping to finish it by the end of August.

"From the Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge to the top locks at Stourton and back is seven miles.

"I have difficulty kayaking on my own now as I need help getting in and out of the kayak, so members from my canoe club, Stourbridge canoe club, accompany me on the trip."

Action Heart is a cardio rehabilitation charity that help people who suffer with heart or vascular conditions.

To donate to Les' fundraiser visit his justgiving page.