Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
It is now Sunday 13th April. After four days of rising as early as 3.30 am, paddling distances of up to 38 miles a day, we finally made it to Westminster, arriving just before 9am. Our total time being 28 hours and 19 minutes. An excellent time. Despite paddling a touring canoe, a Reynard special, we managed to overtake several crews paddling 'faster' craft.
First and foremost, I would like to thank our support crew: Lee, Sam, Mark, Jason, Denis, Charles and Kate, but especially my long suffering wife, Anne, whose accuracy at launching peanut butter and marmite sandwiches at my mouth while running was remarkable - though she is still convinced I am quite mad for doing it.
May I thank everyone who has contributed to the Hospice Fundraising. I am thrilled to see our target has been reached and funds are still coming in!
Lastly, but certainly not least, a big thank you to Mike, my paddling partner. Mike kept me on target when I was thinking of skipping the odd training session and really inspired me to keep on going. I could not have asked for a better companion.
The 4 day, 125 mile International Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon was held over Easter Weekend, 10th to 13th April
The event starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishes just downstream of Westminster Bridge in London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948.
The race is not just about paddling, there are 77 portages where we have to jump out and run around locks before we can continue - thanks Denis, for fixing those wheels on the back of the canoe!
A big thank you also to Charles, a fellow member of the Basingstoke Canal Canoe Club, for the generous loan of his Reynard Special Canoe. It may not be as fast as the racing kayaks, but we got through the long Savernake tunnel unscathed!
After 52 miles on the Kennett and Avon Canal, we joined the Thames at Reading, and below Teddington, we paddle the Tideway to Westminster.
Mike is aged 15 and I am 62, we were out training several times a week to build up stamina. This race is acknowledged as the canoeists' Mount Everest. The non stop version of this race is the longest non stop canoe race in the world. We don't expect to win (although we may well pick up some award for the oldest vet / youngest junior team) we are doing it because it's there!
The most generous donation, of £50.00, came from Steven Yarrow, a colleague of many years standing, meeting when we both worked in broadcast television.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor me now
Why Phyllis Tuckwell? A local hospice, they were absolutely brilliant when my sister in law fell victim to cancer. I had a somewhat prejudiced view about what happened in hospices up to then. I say no more.
Raised:
110%
Raised so far: £550.00
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Sounds Crazy! But you are just the peson who can do this! Very best of luck! Donation by Sarah Errington & David Brinicombe on 11/03/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good luck, Brian! Donation by John Dohoo on 11/03/09 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Keep battling Brian Donation by J.Clare on 11/03/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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keep on paddeling Donation by Louise Williams on 10/03/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Well done Brian, I'm very impressed!! Donation by Jon Boulter on 10/03/09 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Best of luck to you both - I hope it is warmer than when I did last year! Donation by James Bean on 10/03/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Good Luck Donation by Karen & Ellie Ashton on 10/03/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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We will pass you in the night while you are tucked up in your tent on the river bank. Good luck Donation by Jamie cox on 04/03/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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well done Donation by Lee Matthews on 04/03/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £490.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £60.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £550.00 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £132.56 |
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