A WELLINGTON adventurer, who previously cycled around the world a unicycle, has taken on a new challenge paddling from ‘Source to Sea’.

Ed Pratt has become a viral sensation on social media since starting his 210-mile River Thames paddle on Saturday, June 29.

The journey started in the Cotswolds, with Ed wading through the Thames in a wetsuit before switching to a kayak. He has been uploading daily videos across his social media where he’s attracted millions of views.

Ed’s been navigating the UK’s busiest river alone, from pitching his tent on river banks, pub carparks and newly found fans offering their own homes.

He set himself a rule that in order to make progress he has to follow the course of the river exactly.

On Tuesday 16 July his penultimate day, Ed departed Erith in his kayak paddling below Kent’s iconic Queen Elizabeth II Bridge before arriving at Gravesend.

Thames Commander Karla Thresher said: "What Ed’s achieved over the last 18 days is sensational, it was a pleasure to welcome him to Gravesend RNLI Lifeboat Station, showing him our Atlantic 85 Lifeboat and offering our facilities to him for a quick refresher before pitching his tent for the night.

"Ed’s final day from Gravesend to Sheerness will be the most hazardous yet, so far, he’s been treated to waters protected by locks and central Thames, whereas on day 19 he’ll experience sea like conditions, so it was a great opportunity to offer safety advise, show him his route on charts and point out potential hazards."

‘Source to Sea’ paddler Ed said: "There's 18 miles between here and Sheerness, I need to get in just before high tide, push for six hours and hope I can get there before the tide turns."

Ed’s journey has so far raised over £15,000 for The Rivers Trust, he’s expected to finish his incredible adventure at Sheerness on Wednesday, July 17.