A husband and wife will embark on the voyage of a lifetime, by attempting a 26-mile cross channel paddle, on behalf of a worthy cause.

Starting from Dungeness, Andy Peck and Rachel Martin will next week paddle-board through a busy shipping lane, in an attempt to reach Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.

The couple, joined by friends Dr Mark Rance and Paul Nash, will take on the challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, a condition Mr Peck’s mum Gill suffers from.

Mr Peck, from Hove, said: “We’re on a mission to raise funds to tackle Parkinson’s, especially as there is no cure yet but medical breakthroughs are within reach.

“Increased resources could help bring more results sooner, so that people living with Parkinson’s like my mum get better treatment, and a cure is found faster.”

Parkinson’s is a neurological incurable condition leaving people struggling to walk, talk and sleep.

Although there are many treatments and support networks to help people manage the condition, its cause remains unknown.

Paul Jackson-Clark, fundraising director at Parkinson’s, said: “We’re urging people to support this exciting and brave challenge, and wish the Channel Paddle team the best of luck.

“It’s fantastic support, and every pound donated will help bring us closer to the day that no one fears Parkinson’s.”

Mr Peck and Mrs Martin spent part of their honeymoon practising for the journey, which stands at the same distance as a marathon.

But their channel paddle plans were thwarted last summer by adverse weather.

Now, accompanied by expert pilot boats, the group will set off sometime next week depending on conditions.

To support the Channel Paddle visit the couple's fund-raising page.