A GROUP of friends took part in a boat race across the River Dee to raise money for charity.

Ray Wooley has been raising money for Cancer Research for about 40 years, in memory of his brother Reg, who died from the illness.

He organised another race this year to continue the tradition, along with Gary Jones, Carl Lloyd, Arthur Fletcher, Matthew Randles, Carl Randles and Jarrod Holland,

The group started at Connah’s Quay and arrived at Chester about 1.30pm where they met the Lord Mayor to receive their medals.

Ray said: “It was a good atmosphere, we had a good crowd, and everyone enjoyed it. I’m delighted, still aching now.

“Although it’s a race, I don’t kill myself, I take my time. I’m just there to take part. We receive a medal every year, but I don’t do it for the award.”

The fisherman said Cancer Research is a charity that has hit the hearts of many people and he, along with other members of the group have lost their loved ones to the illness.

Ray said when they took part in the race, they were thinking about lose they lost, including Linden Jones, Jerald Dodd, Alan Jones, Jaz Shoot, Carl Sargeant, Ansley Walker, Grendille Holland and Jef Mitchell.

It is not yet known how much was raised from the day.