The owner of a boating lake will set out on a 135-mile kayak trip along the river Thames on Monday for charity.

Gordon Bullock, owner of Redbridge Lakes Nature Conservation Centre, in Roding Lane North, Woodford Green will set off on June 16 and aims to finish by June 27.

Inspired by his custody battle for his three children during a divorce 20 years ago, he is hoping to raise £5,000 for charity Men Have Rights Too, which provides support for men suffering from domestic abuse and custody issues.

He said: “I had trouble getting access to my children when I went through my divorce and there is not a lot of legal aid for men which is grossly unfair.

“I sympathise with men who suffer domestic abuse, and I want to make it better known to the public.”

The 61-year-old will paddle around 10 miles each day and he aims to catch a fish in each of the 45 reaches of the Thames.

Camping each night and starting from Cricklade in Wiltshire, Mr Bullock will finish his expedition in Teddington in Richmond.

He said: “I was inspired by the Thames, I have always loved the river and it would be an amazing thing to do to kayak the length of it.

“It is quite a challenge both physically and mentally but it will be great fun.

“I know I am physically capable as I have been paddling 13 miles a day for the last few weeks on the lake here.”

Donate to Gordon’s cause here: http://www.justgiving.com/Gordon-Bullock