Left to right, Darryl, Jay, Nick and Tom

by Martin Jefferies

Some people will do anything for charity - but how about spending two months in a canoe with only a couple of mates, the odd grizzly bear and an occasional moose for company?

That's the tough challenge awaiting friends Nick Hunter and Darryl Ratchford, from Maidstone, who have just set off on a 3,100km paddle.

Their adventure will take them along the entire length of the River Yukon - one of the longest rivers in North America and the 21st longest in the world.

They have been joined by another friend, Tom Raper, as well as Darryl's twin brother Jay, as they bid to raise cash for Help for Heroes and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

"we'll come home with memories we'll never forget…” – nick hunter

Nick said: "Being away from home for up to 60 days and living in each other's pockets in an environment you're not used to isn't going to be easy.

"But that's the beauty of it. It's a once in a lifetime experience and we'll come home with memories we'll never forget."

Darryl added: "We've known each other for about 10 years now and we're very close, so when one of us is feeling down, it'll be down to the other three guys to lift the spirits in the boat.

"Don't get me wrong though - my brother and I will fall out, as brothers always do!"

The team are travelling with only basic supplies and will need to forage and fish for food along the way. They also plan to trade items with local people.

They practised for their expedition on the River Medway and have been going to the gym up to six days a week to get their bodies into shape.

Survival techniques the group have learned could prove useful in the event of an emergency, with help up to eight hours away at certain points.