A 47-YEAR-OLD man has completed a gruelling 100-mile kayak in memory of his dad with his pet pooch aboard – and raised almost £3,000 for the RSPCA.

John Oakley, who lives in the town centre, and Staffie Max endured a journey from the east coast to Stockton Heath in order to raise vital funds for the Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch of the RSPCA.

The pair started the route in Goole on September 18, on what would have been his dad Granville's 81st birthday, and completed the venture on Saturday after pulling up to the London Bridge pub at the Bridgewater Canal in Appleton.

But reaching the finish line seemed near impossible on day two when the kayak capsized 30 miles in.

John said: "All the electrics, sleeping bag and tent were soaked. I didn't have a sleeping bag for the rest of the week but slept in the wet tent for two nights.

"Luckily, Max had his life jacket on when it happened. It was very hard and very tiring but we just had to make sure we pushed ourselves.

"I hated it, I enjoyed it, I loved it and I cried a bit – but I am missing it."

After Max was abandoned he was taken in by the RSPCA and John continues to volunteer at the charity to show them his appreciation – but he wanted to go one step further.

And with almost £3,000 raised, and more on the way, the Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch is set for a major boost.

John said: "We absolutely smashed the £1,000 target and there is still more to come in. People have been inspiring, there have been some lovely messages.

"I want to say a big thank you to everybody who supported us – the centre can do so much with that money."

John is enjoying life back in the comfort of his own bed but confirmed he could be set for another charity mission in the future.

He added: "I have done the kayaking now and want to come up with something original. If I do, I would be happy to do something again."

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