COLLEGE lecturers are gearing up for 125-mile canoe race in memory of a former student who was lost at sea.

Sparsholt College’s Sport and Outdoor Education lecturers are training for the Devizes to Westminster race, which takes place over Easter next year.

It is in memory of former student James Male, who was among the crew lost at sea when the yacht, Cheeky Rafiki, went missing on its way home from Antigua in May.

The team of four will raise money for the RNLI Forever by the Seas Fund, which was set up by the crew’s loved ones after the incident.

Scott Fancourt, who is leading the team of lecturers, said: “James studied outdoor education here at the college and is remembered very fondly by the team.

"We wanted to show our support by giving something back and felt this gruelling challenge would be a fitting tribute to an adventurous young man with a great passion for the outdoors, in particular water sports.”

He is joined by Lawrence Blair, Gareth Rogers and Kaj Berendsen.

They will all compete in the senior doubles class which is racing non-stop over 125 miles including 77 portages.

The first 52 miles is along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Reading, the next 55 on the River Thames to Teddington, and the final 17 miles is on the tidal portion of the Thames.

It is a severe test of skill, physical strength, mental stamina and planning.

The team are already training five days a week.

To sponsor them go online at rnli.tributefunds.com.