SHOPPERS in Sale found themselves doing a double take as TV stars took to the canal on a marathon canoe ride.

Celebrity Big Brother hunk and Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson teamed up with Gogglebox star Nikki Tapper and TV personality Michelle Heaton to row 26 miles around Greater Manchester through Sale for Stand Up To Cancer.

They partnered with four cancer survivors including a sports shop manager in Altrincham, who beat testicular cancer, to row five marathons in five days across the North West.

Coronation Street star Jane Danson also unexpectedly arrived at Sale to show her support for friend Carla Bradbury, who has survived cancer.

Michelle Heaton said during the stop-off in Sale yesterday: “Taking part in the Great Canoe Challenge was a no-brainer for me. When I discovered I was a carrier of a faulty version of the BRCA2 gene, it was devastating. I felt like my world had been turned upside down.

"I want to do everything I can to help to raise money for research because I know it’s the key to defeating this disease.

“I hope that everyone across the North West really gets behind us and shows their support.”

Altrincham Sports Direct store manager David Sing, 30, took part in the challenge to mark his fifth year cancer free after being treated for testicular cancer.

said: “It was great to have Sam, Michelle and Nikki joining us for the Manchester leg.”

The challengers will finish at Liverpool’s Albert Dock on September 29.

Stand Up To Cancer, is a partnership between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 and aims to speed up the translation of incredible scientific discoveries into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatment.

The challenge is in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which aims to speed up the translation of incredible scientific discoveries into innovative cancer medicine, tests and treatment.

To support the challenge, donate online at www.standuptocancer.org.uk/canoe

Since it was launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than £38million to fund over 40 clinical trials and research projects.

It funds research in Manchester at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute in Withington.