Celebrities join Carla on fundraising journey

Television's Judge Rinder was the partner of cancer survivor Carla Bradbury on the first day of a 120-mile canoe journey.

Carla, 46, of Staythorpe, is one of four cancer survivors selected for the challenge which is raising money for Stand Up to Cancer.

They started in Chester and have been paddling 24 miles each day.

Among those cheering her off was her neighbour Nigel Hallam, who set off on the two-and-a-half hour drive early to ensure he was in time for the start.

His wife Cheryl was a friend of Carla's and died from cancer earlier this year. She is one of the people that Carla is doing the challenge for.

"It was a real surprise to see him and he followed us to cheer us on at the pit stops," she said.

Carla said Judge Rinder had been fantastic company and had been texting her to see how she was getting on with the rest of the challenge.

"I didn't really know what to expect but he was brilliant," she said.

On Tuesday actor Tyger Drew-Honey from the comedy show Outnumbered joined Carla in her boat. She said there had been some difficulty with his steering so they had spent a lot of time in the bushes.

She has also been joined by Nikki Tapper, from Gogglebox.

Carla said it had been a brilliant experience.

"I have never been involved in anything like this before," she said. "I have met so many nice people and so many great celebrities."

They are due to finish in Liverpool's Albert Dock on Friday.

"I'm looking forward to having a drink," she said. "Hopefully there will be a bottle of champagne waiting."

Carla was told she was cancer-free five years ago and now runs a successful pet sitting business with her partner and works part-time for Nottingham Community Foundation charity.