A group of barking mad fundraisers who are doggy paddling the length of the Thames to raise money for the UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) passed through Marlow this week.

The ten brave paddlers set off on August 22 from St. Johns Lock in Lechlade, arriving at Marlow Lock at 1:45am on Tuesday where they were welcomed by town mayor, Cllr Bob Johnson.

Mr Johnson said: “It was an amazing sight to see their head torches appear from nowhere in the water, lighting up the gloom of the night heading towards Marlow Lock.”

“Whilst they must be mad, it was terrific to see such commitment to enable funds to be raised for this brilliant cause and I was so proud of them and delighted to be there to give the guys as much support as possible on behalf of Marlow.”

The brains behind the venture are sports and exercise medicine doctor, Hamish Reid, and financial investment manager, James Taylor, who, along with the ‘Thames Doggy’ team are hoping to raise £200,000 for the charity.

Mr Taylor’s world was turned upside down in 2005 when he dove under a wave, resulting in permanent paralysis.

Since then he has been heavily involved in fundraising for the UKSCF and is also a trustee.

Mr Reid said: “In just one minute I was thrown into a world I knew nothing about. There is no cure for my spinal injury, suddenly I was faced with full body paralysis and the implications on every aspect of my life were huge”.

“The research funded by the UK Stem Cell Foundation has the potential to cure currently incurable conditions, such as cancers, blindness and paralysis. However in order to turn research into real treatments for patients the charity needs support”.

The leader of the pack, Mr Reid emphasised how difficult the ‘stroke of champions’ was, but hoped it played a part in raising funds and awareness for the cause.

He said: “People often laugh at us when they see us doggy paddling but it is not until they try the ‘stroke of champions’ that they realise how utterly exhausting and inefficient it is. However if by looking a bit ridiculous in the river we can raise awareness and vital funds for stem cell research it will all be worth it”.

The teams determined venture will come to a peak in Putney 155 miles from the start point, where their feet will finally be able to stay on dry land.

For more information on the challenge, and the donation page go to www.thamesdoggy.com