James Armstrong, a member of the Open Door Baptist Church, in Harris Street, was tackling a 24-hour canoe ride on the River Nene from Wansford to Northampton.

But seven hours in, at 1am, a vomiting and diarrhoea bug took hold and he was forced to stop.

The sponsored canoe challenge was organised to raise money for Options Pregnancy Advice Centre, based in Westgate, Peterborough.

Linda Stockley, one of the centre's trustees, said: "James was desperate to finish it but we said he should when he's well again, so he's going to do it when he's feeling right."

At the start of the journey, fellow fund-raisers lent a helping hand and took it in turns to paddle down the river, but James, an experienced canoeist, had decided to tackle the final few hours alone with supporters at checkpoints along the way.

Generous givers still handed over their sponsorship despite the fact the challenge was not completed, and at least £350 has been collected so far.

Options Pregnancy Advice Centre was set up in 2003 and it is affiliated to Christian Action Research and Education.

The centre offers free pregnancy testing and offers women support when making decisions about parenting, adoption or an abortion.