THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised by a group of friends who aim to do their bit for charity.

Ray Wooley, of Deeside, has been raising money for Cancer Research for about 40 years and this year he brought in over £3,500 from his annual boat race.

The fishermen aim to send off the cheque and start preparations for next year’s fundraising events.

Mr Wooley added: “I would like to thank everyone. These lads help because I don’t get the help I should get and next year it’s going to get bigger.

“Without them all I just couldn’t do it. It’s all for a good cause and I aim to do my share. I will carry on doing what I can even though the age is catching up on me.”

The fisherman said he focuses on Cancer Research because it’s a charity that has hit the hearts of many people and is in memory of his brother, Reg, who died from the illness.