Former Hercules RAF crew will pedalo 144 miles along the River Thames from Lechlade to London to mark the retirement of the an aircraft from service.

RAF pilot Jim Roden and RAF engineer Mark Shearn have both operated the C-130 for more than 20 years but have swapped the aircraft for pedalos.

‘Shearny’, a ground engineer on the Hercules transport aircraft for more than 10 years, acquired some damaged pedalos last year and began work restoring them.

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A conversation with Mr Roden led the two to organise the charity challenge on three pedalos painted green to resemble the now retired RAF aircraft.

Each of the three crews are manned by four people who swap places throughout the day to progress over 20 miles each day.

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The 15-strong male and female team have camped overnight in tents along the route with their support crew.

And after setting off on July 2 they were due to arrive in London today (Friday July 7) after the six-day endurance test.

Oxford Mail: Hercules Pedalo Challenge

To make the challenge even more unique, the group will raise money for Breast Cancer UK, recognising a cause directly affecting Jim and his colleagues’ families. 

Mr Roden's mum has had breast cancer twice but thankfully is now doing well having had the all-clear after several operations. 

Squadron leader Mr Roden said: “Amazingly, my mum has survived both a lumpectomy and then a mastectomy years later and it is thanks to the  work from such charities as BCUK.

"She is an amazing woman who got the support she needed, and we are all so thankful.

"A lot of my colleagues have also been touched by this disease. We just wanted to choose a charity that was close to all our hearts.

“We have women involved as well, but we liked the idea that we are promoting equality by supporting the fight against this predominantly female disease.”

Oxford Mail: Hercules Pedalo Challenge

Despite already being fit, they are under no illusions about how tough the fundraising challenge will be. 

“We liked the idea as it’s daft and a bit comical, but it probably won’t be hilarious when we’re doing it, as I’m sure it’s going to be very challenging,” the dad-to-be added. 

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Also involved is ex-Hercules engineer Paul Cullingham whose wife Donna is currently receiving treatment for breast cancer but drove the lead pedalo out of Lechlade  – near their RAF base Brize Norton – to get the team under way. 

Mr Cullingham said: “It’s been really hard with so many ups and downs but we remain positive. We are very thankful for the support that charities such as BCUK offer.”

He added: "Everyone taking part was involved in the operation of the C-130s long serving and beloved workhorse and wants to celebrate its amazing service by doing something arduous, fun and meaningful."