We've done it!
22hours 19minutes coming 37th out of 101 finishers in our class.
Massive thanks to you all for helping us through and just look at the amount raised - what a signal of support to our young men and women in all three services.
We won't say never again but......
In April 2010, over the Easter weekend, Mat Walker and Lee Atkins, two novice "paddleists", will attempt the world's longest canoe race of 125 miles from Devizes to Westminster in a target time of 24 hours-non stop. Not only paddle in a straight line but stay afloat and upright. Not only that but there are 77 portages (where they get out, moan a lot and carry the boat over styles and stuff), negotiate tides, dodgy weather, angry wildlife and angry fishermen......
Preparations are going well - Lee has nearly developed a sense of balance in the boat and Mat has even been seen smiling.... They have listened to the advice and have been ably supported and welcomed by the members of Reading Canoe Club who have proved an invaluable source of help and continuing support. They are training in earnest over the six months leading up ot the date.
The boat, a purpose built K2 Kayak Condor and equipment has been funded by Mat's family business, AB Walker & Son. The firm's charity of the year 09/10 is Help for Heroes, with all funds raised in memory of Rifleman Cyrus Thatcher of 2nd Battalion The Rifles. A local lad of 19 years who lived not far from a point on the Thames they will pass on the race. Cyrus lost his life serving in Afghanistan in the summer of 2009.
Mat and Lee, together with their merry band of support crew volunteers all stand resolute and firm behind "our boys" and this charity. The thought that those cold training mornings on the water and the dark lung busting evenings in the gym will result in helping them, motivates us more than words can describe. Please give what you can. Thank you.
See our blog - http://worldrow.blogspot.com/
