My name is Sam Stuthridge, a Major in the British Army and currently serving in Germany.  Together with Colin Appleby, a former Royal Marine, we are planning to mount a fundraising expedition in support of the Help for Heroes charity ( www.helpforheroes.org.uk ). 

Follow our Blog and Progress Here:  www.ocean-kayaking.net/H4H

The outline plan is to sea kayak, unsupported, from Njimegen (Holland) along the Waal River to Rotterdam, along the coast of Holland, Belguim and France before crossing the channel at Calais/Dover and finally making our way up the Thames estuary to finish at the Tower of London.

The total distance is around 500km and we anticipate finishing in 10 days or less.  We will carry all supplies required and camp on river banks / beaches.  All proceeds will go to Help for Heroes.

Sam is not a hardened paddler but has enjoyed the odd day trip and expedition on Angelsey, achieving the equivalent of BCU 4 star standard.  Colin is a veteran in both the service respect, and as a paddler on the sea with considerable open water experience.

This is a major undertaking but will allow us to put something back into the lives of injured servicemen and women returning from duty in Afghanistan and other operational theatres.  I have toyed with this idea for a while but cemented my resolve when 5 soldiers bodies returned  to UK a few weeks ago; one of whom was a friend of mine.  Although I cannot do anything to help him; for every dead soldier returning there are many more injured who will require support for the rest of their lives.  Anything we can do to help now, will be worthwhile.

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 - We raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page; please dig deep and donate now.

Sam and Colin