TWO Portland men fear they will not be able to take on a gruelling fundraising challenge unless they find a safety boat to support them.

Tim Ellis and Eddie Ette are all set to take on an epic kayak paddle from Cherbourg in France to Weymouth this month but they cannot do it alone.

Mr Ellis, 54, of Fortuneswell, and Mr Ette, 53, had booked two safety boats for the journey but these plans have fallen through.

They are now appealing for a boat owner to enable their epic paddle to go ahead during the weather window of June 17 to 28.

Mr Ellis, head of reducing re-offending at Dorchester Prison, said: “We’re doing it to raise funds for Portland Rowing Club of which I’m a founder member and Eddie is a big supporter.

“We’re appealing for anybody with a large enough boat to take us with our kayaks over to France and then to cover us with a safety boat for 18 to 20 hours planned return non-stop paddling.”

The duo will be fuelled during their energetic attempt by tinned peaches and rice. It is their second attempt at a cross-Channel paddle and one of the biggest challenges would be getting across the Shambles, a tidal race, off Portland.

Mr Ellis said: “We did a similar challenge in 2007 from Portland to Cherbourg and got separated right at the end.

“Our support boat skipper put out a mayday distress call but then we found Eddie safe around the headland. This time we’d like to finish off together, in our own country and with a reception. If we can’t find a safety boat we hope to reschedule for August.”

The endurance athletes began kayaking together five years ago and also completed a 35-mile charity run along Chesil Beach in 2006 for the Joseph Weld Hospice.

Mr Ette, previously of Weston Street, Portland, now lives in Lanzarote where he operates his EnduroMan business.

If your can help call Dave Ferris on 01305 782904 or 07854 953606.