Fareham-based IT solutions provider, Taylor Made Computer Solutions, has sponsored two ambitious teenage boys on an ultimate test of their endurance - a 125 mile race in a kayak.

The annual Devises to Westminster Canoe Race has been running every Easter weekend since 1948. John Snoddon, an ex-Boundary Oak School boy from Fareham and Will Jones, both 17, started the marathon paddle in Devises, Wiltshire, on Good Friday and finished just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London, opposite the Houses of Parliament on Easter Monday. Stopping each night to camp they successfully completed the gruelling challenge in an impressive time of 19 hours 24 minutes and 28 seconds.

Both boys are current pupils at The Royal Hospital School - originally founded as part of Greenwich Hospital, the school gave boys from seafaring backgrounds the rare privilege of learning arithmetic and navigation. Today, it still has a strong and unique seafaring heritage maintained through a number of traditions - the Devises to Westminster Canoe Race just one of them.

John and Will took part in this year's race to help raise money for the 'Will Turner Memorial Fund', a fund set up in memory of parent and passionate supporter of the Royal Hospital School. All proceeds raised by the boys will go towards enabling pupils at the School who can't afford to take part in the annual event, the chance to do so next year.

John's father, ex-naval officer, John Snodden commented: "I am incredibly proud of the boys and their achievements. It has been an extremely challenging four days of paddling in the Kayak but they have shown great determination and helped raise money towards a deserving fund."

Taylor Made's Managing Director, Nigel Taylor added:"Congratulations to both boys on taking part in a challenge of both extreme mental and physical ability at such a young age, and for such a worthy cause. It is wonderful that the money they have raised this year will go towards others to take part next year - and help to raise even more money for the fund!"