Friends aim to row, swim and cycle from London to Paris

Two fundraisers are set to embark on the challenge of a lifetime as they attempt to run, row and cycle their way from London to Paris in just six days.

Barry Cook and Derek McEwan, both 40, are undertaking the Arch 2 Arc challenge for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, for which they are ambassadors.

The pair will depart Marble Arch in London this weekend and run 87 miles to Dover, row 29 miles across the Channel to Calais before cycling 181 miles from Calais to Paris.

It is the latest challenge Barry and Derek have taken on with both men no stranger to fundraising feats.

Once I considered what Jenny has faced in her life, I realised that my challenge was nothing

Barry’s daughter Jenny was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of five, and underwent numerous operations at the former Yorkhill hospital including having her large bowel removed.

Her family have raised more than £110,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity over the last few years, including via the annual ‘Tea Jenny’ event.

Barry, who is a vice president at Barclays in Glasgow, said: “Once I considered what Jenny has faced in her life, I realised that my challenge was nothing.

“This was a real chance for me to give something back to Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and at the same time take to the road and water and raise more awareness of this disease.

“It won't be easy - there have already been days of pain and tears trying to get into shape for the challenge but I'm prepared to give it every bit of energy I have.”

Derek, who founded the Catherine McEwan Foundation after his mother passed away from Crohn’s disease, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to help improve the lives of people living with Crohn’s and Colitis.

He said: “I wanted to set a challenge that would capture people’s imagination and hopefully raise a lot of money for our charities.

“It has been a year of training and fundraising that will put all of the team through pain both physically and mentally, but nothing in comparison to the people we are trying to help.”

Kirsten Sinclair, director of fundraising at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said of the pair: “Barry and Derek have supported us for many years, raising thousands of pounds to help care for the babies, children and young people treated at Scotland’s largest children’s hospital.

“They are taking on a mammoth journey – they have done so much work in the build-up, have trained for months and deserve everyone’s support.

“Everyone at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity wishes them all the best on the Arch 2 Arc challenge.”

To find out more or make a donation visit arch2arc.com.