WIRRAL sea cadet volunteers will take on a 24 hour kayak challenge to raise money to buy “vital equipment” for their unit.

From 12 noon on Saturday, September 28 until 12 noon on Sunday September 29 PO Pete Eyres and CI Ian Langton from TS Stork, Hoylake and West Kirby Sea Cadet unit will kayak around Marine Lake at West Kirby for 24 hours.

The challenge is to raise funds to buy an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) which would be used for the cadets, visitors and staff in the event of an emergency.

The Oliver King Foundation has supported them in their venture and helped set up the crowdfunding page to allow people to donate.

The target for the AED for the unit is £,1500.

Ian said: “If we can get enough people to donate and raise around £2,500, the AED would be fitted outside of the unit in a purposely designed cabinet, which would allow the wider community access to it if needed.

“I came up with the idea when I was on a stairmaster in the gym thinking about how to raise funds for what I consider to be a vital piece of equipment.

“I wanted something which the cadets could get involved in, so naturally it had to be something on the water and something which wasn’t too easy.”

Despite not being veteran kayakers, Ian and Pete say they are looking forward to the day on the water and have had “huge support” from their families, fellow volunteers and the wider community of cadets.

Prior to the challenge, Pete and Ian will also be helping with the RNLI event at West Kirby on Saturday, September 21 helping the RNLI demonstrate their rescues and show how best to be equipped when taking to the water.

To donate to the fundraiser click here.