A PAIR of friends from Portishead are preparing to become castaways on an island in the Severn Estuary.

Pals Nick Pearce and Joe Poole decided to set themselves a challenge to raise money for Help for Heroes after Joe made the commitment to join the British Army, for which his training begins in February.

Fitness instructor Nick said: “We all know what a good job the armed forces do and Joe and I wanted to do something taxing to demonstrate our support and help raise funds for the cause that helps wounded service men and women and their families.”

The pair are now seeking sponsorship for their week-long stay on Denny Island, off the Portishead coast.

Joe who lives in Nore Road added: “Friends and family are being very supportive but we are hoping the whole Portishead community will get behind us.

“We know it’s going to be tough but knowing that we are raising money for a worthy cause will make it bearable.”

Local businesses are also being urged to support the island adventure.

Mike Johnston at Summit Outdoor Leisure has already donated camping packs of food to the would-be Robinson Crusoes and Ashland Building and Property Maintenance have pledged considerable sponsorship.

Almost twenty years ago, Portishead green keeper Neil Carter braved the elements, spending 72 hours on Denny Island to raise money for the Portishead Lifeboat.

Neil’s lonely desert island adventure took place in the summer months and he still reported it being much tougher than he had expected, reporting it was like living in a wind tunnel.

Nick and Joe are planning to spend seven days on the island.

They leave Portishead on December 4 and hope to stay on the island until December 11. To sponsor them call 07974 945366.