My Story

I decided to take on the three Great Challenges after my kayaking accident in 2010.  I thought I should do as much as I could before the complete loss of my left eye and prove to myself I have the capability of succeeding.  I've recently competed in a number of descent races and dressed up as a pirate for one but thought I should try something a little larger.  The great challenges are:

1.      Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race – 125 miles over the four days of Easter weekend 29 March to 1 April in K1 class

 

2.      Scottish Great Glen Paddle – 65 miles over three days in the K2 class including Loch Ness!  26th-28th April with kayak partner Jane Millar

 

3.      Cheshire Ring Canal Race – 96 miles around Manchester non-stop! 29-30 June in K1 class

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race

The Devises to Westminster race is a grueling 125 mile kayak race along the Kennett and Avon Canal, the Thames river and finally along the tideway to Westminster Bridge(For more information about the race please go to http://www.dwrace.org.uk/ ).  I attempted the race last year.  Unfortunately my paddling partner Mike and I were forced to withdraw after 15 hours non-stop paddling due to sporting injuries.  This was a huge disappointment to us both and I quickly made my mind up to return in 2013 for another go!

To follow my progress over the Easter weekend you can use this link and look for race number 721 http://www.dwrace.org.uk/results/2013/Progress/LocationFourDay.html

 

Scottish Great Glen Paddle

While at the Tay Descent 2012, I was approached by a fellow paddler Jane Millar and was asked if I would be interested in undertaking the Scottish coast to coast Great Glen paddle race.  This was a scary request because unlike the Devizes to Westminster race, the location is far more remote and includes the full length of Loch Ness which can be compared to the sea in weather conditions.  I would describe myself as a competent paddler and Jane is brilliant but this would test us both to the limit.  We both decided to accept the challenge and I found myself facing 190 miles to kayak races in 4 weeks!  (For more information about the Great Glen race please go to http://greatglenpaddle.co.uk/)

Cheshire Ring Canal Race

The final challenge is the Cheshire Ring Canal Race.  Last year after my Devizes to Westminster attempt, someone jokingly suggested that I should enter this race.  After I made my mind up for this years’ Devizes to Westminster attempt and the Great Glen race, it was almost easy to accept the challenge.  This attempt will be 96 miles non-stop in the k1 class.  The race itself is along five canals, five tunnels and a horrendous 92 portages!  I am dreading it but thankfully my thoughts are too full of the first two races to even think about the details!  (For more information about the Cheshire Ring Canal Race please go to http://madcc.btck.co.uk/CheshireRingRace)

In these, I find myself in 282 miles of competitive paddling in only three races!  I can only hope my kit, support crews and I are up to the challenge!

I would like to thank my parents John and Christine Garton, and my nephew Alex for allowing me to bully them into supporting me on the DW race.  I would also like to thank Ian Millar for volunteering to support the Great Glen race.  My thanks also go to Mercia Canoe Club and the Nottingham Kayak Club, notably, Mick Nadal, Nigel Wooltorton and Mike Fitzsimons for their support and preparation advice.

Please sponsor me in my attempt at this great challenge.  Devizes to Westminster has been described as the "Everest of the Kayak world".  The Great Glen and especially Loch Ness will be a challenge in its own right.  The Cheshire ring is such a huge target, 96 miles non-stop, my mind can’t comprehend it yet. All donations and sponsorship for my craziness will go to the Royal National Institute for the Blind.