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On Saturday 19th March at 7am, 19 people set off from Hatherleigh in their kayaks - a beautiful frosty morning! Along the River Lew into the Torridge...
At 10.30am 6 cyclists set off - from almost the same place - from the bridge over the River Lew!
We all met up at a beautiful spot near Torrington for lunch - for some a very long leisurely lunch! For others a quick rest, drink and food before setting off once again.
The cyclists reached Bideford quay at about 5pm.... shortly followed by the kayaks - all back on dry land by 6.30pm...
And the reason for all this activity.... (IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE!)
Life saved by Hotel Fire!
Normally fire or smoke inhalation kills. However, when The George Hotel was destroyed by fire in December 2008, it prompted investigations resulting in the finding of a potentially life shortening condition for one Hatherleigh resident.
Having been treated for asthma since childhood it was initially thought that the smoke inhalation had caused his asthma to ‘flare up’. Lung function tests, chest X-ray and little improvement with the conventional treatment indicated that this wasn’t just asthma. A blood test confirmed this.
At the age of 26, he was found to have Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1ATD) – an inherited condition causing lung and/or liver damage. Immediate advise to anyone with A1ATD is not to smoke, avoid smoky environments and not to drink alcohol. Further investigations revealed that he had already has emphysemic lung changes. Ignoring advise would mean worsening lung and liver function and ultimately the likelihood of premature death…..
Please help to save other lives!
In response to this, Chris Brown-Martin has organised a sponsored kayak from Hatherleigh along the rivers Lew and Torridge to Bideford – 26miles approx. - in March (date dependant on tide times).
The event will be supporting 3 charities:-
- Alpha-1 Awareness UK
- Cancer Research UK
- Devon Air Ambulance Trust
As well as the kayaking, for the not so brave, there will also be a sponsored cycle ride – 20miles approx. - the tarka trail following a similar route as the rivers.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
