TWENTY-four-year-old Cornishman James Bonell and 28-year-old Joe Andrews from Bath, who are circumnavigating Great Britain in sea kayaks, raising money for two deserving charities, arrived in South Pembrokeshire last week.

The pair (pictured) set off on April 20 from Falmouth, Cornwall, and aim to complete the 3,000 mile challenge in four months.

The arrived in Tenby last Wednesday, spent Friday fund-raising, before setting off on Saturday paddling towards Milford Haven.

By the end of this week (weather permitting), they hope to have passed through Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay and will be on their way to Aberystwyth.

The charities they are supporting are Water Aid and the NACC (National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease) and their fund-raising target is an incredible £20,000, which will be split equally between the two.

Joe is a professional civil engineer, so WaterAid is a natural choice for him. James is also an engineer in the field of sustainable energy. His sister was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which creates a direct personal incentive for the fund-raising.

James has completed fund-raising challenges in the past, but nothing on this scale.

"I've raised money before by cycling the length and breadth of Britain," he said.

"One of my other hobbies is white water kayaking, so a circumnavigation by sea is a fitting way to close the loop."

He continued: " When I saw how the modest funds I raised previously were put to use, supporting charities making real differences to people's lives, I realised a larger target was appropriate for an expedition as big as this."

Joe also has a sporting background to be proud of, the culmination of which was a sixth place finish for GB at the World Quadrathlon Championships in 2008.

However, this was not his first occasion of pulling on his country's vest as he represented GB in freestyle paddling before starting his degree at Loughborough University.

"I'm really pleased to be able to use my sporting ability for such a great cause," he said. "WaterAid is well-known in the UK as the top charity for developing safe water, hygiene in sanitation in the world's poorest communities. The money we raise will be literally saving lives."

Joe and James are sure of the worthiness of the two causes and have already gained the support of many companies and a legion of fans.

Some supporters will be taking turns to drive the brightly decorated support van, while others will be donating money and tracking the paddling progress in real-time at http://www.gonepaddling.co.uk">www.gonepaddling.co.uk

Further sponsorship opportunities are available for this nationwide trip, with advertising spaces available on the van, kayaks, clothing, website and posters. Corporate exposure is certain; the expedition website details all radio, newspaper and TV coverage received so far, and gives an indication of the sort of exposure on offer for further sponsorship opportunities. James is keen to discuss these on 07515 122 893.