A unique challenge to sail down the Thames in a solar-powered boat began this week to raise money for the Prisoners’ Families Helpline.

Chief information officer for the national offender management service Mike Manisty aims to be the first person to undertake a solar powered voyage upstream from Westminster to its furthest navigable point near Lechlade, Gloucestershire.

The 59-year-old’s journey of about 150 miles began at 1.30pm yesterday at the Westminster Boating Base close to Parliament.

Mike Manisty said: “I have been keen to do it for a while as I think it will help prove that solar power has a good future in boating as the technology improves and the cost of fuel becomes prohibitive.

“I do not need full sun to get energy into the batteries, but without a few hours of decent sun each day I will struggle. But I am not in a rush and if I have to sit in a pub for a rainy day I will not feel totally devastated.”

The journey is expected to take Mr Manisty over two weeks, which he will record with daily blogs on solarthames.blogspot.

com For details about Action for Prisoners’ Families and to sponsor Mr Manisty visit prisonersfamilies.org.uk