GRANDFATHER John Hickson overcame the odds to complete an epic feat in the name of charity – pulling his 12-ton boat for 10 miles along the Bridgewater Canal.

John Hickson, originally from Flixton but now living in Timperley, was triumphant in single-handedly pulling his 45ft narrowboat ‘Jus’ Chillin’ from Lymm to Stretford.

The 58-year-old embarked on the challenge to raise funds for Diabetes UK and The Christie.

John has personal experience of the work both charities do. He himself has been an insulin dependent diabetic since the age of seven and his friend, Rusty Fearnley, who steered the narrowboat, is currently battling leukaemia.

John began the boat pull at Lymm Cruising Club on the morning of Saturday August 6 and dragged the boat with a rope along the canal path to Stretford Watch House Cruising Club, where he is a member.

Despite the arduous task, he managed to shave 50 minutes off his goal time, reaching the finish line in 11 hours and 10 minutes.

“It completely took the skin from my shoulders,” said John. “I had to put carpet on my shoulders near the end to stop the rope rubbing them.

“Quite a lot of people turned out for support – I needed it. But I won’t be doing it again.”

John’s efforts raised £1,450. There is still time to make a donation; visit justgiving.com/fundraising/john-hickson or text BOPU58 to 70070.