Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Jean & Adele from Chester Canoe Club will be doing the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race on 30th March - 31st March 2013. The Race 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, and up to 600 canoeists from all over the world take on the challenge.

This extremely demanding canal and river challenge involves racing non-stop 125 miles, that’s roughly 90,000 paddle-strokes, or 16 to 30 hours paddling! The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal , the next 55 miles are on the River Thames and the final 18 miles is on the tidal section of the Thames . Along the way there are 77 locks and weirs that are 'portages', this means they have to get out and carry their canoe around the lock. http://www.dwrace.org.uk/ 

Jean quotes ‘The race starts on Saturday morning continuing through the night, we are aiming to finish within 24 hours. The race is a severe test of skill and stamina, both mentally and physically, it will certainly be a tough challenge for us!  We are well into our training now, using the weather to test our endurance, experimenting with kit, drinks and feeding systems. Our support crews, vital to the race, will be shuddering at the thought of keeping us going along the course if the weather is bad. We will all have to calm the adrenaline, take control our mind and bodies, aim high, and work towards crossing that finish line in London at Westminster Bridge!

Jean is a good friend of Louise Robinson, Mark's wife, and also has two daughters that have grown up with Emma and Alice. Ray Williamson's wife, Judy and daughter Sally are also good friends of Jean's family, Dave, Kate and Lucy who will be part of our vital support Crew. She says 'When the going gets tough and we are digging deep, I know you’ll all be cheering us on, Mark and Ray would have been shouting the loudest, this will give us the motivation to keep paddling to the finish! Along our journey we are hoping to spread the word of MHRUK, and to raise money for its research knowing it will make a difference'.

Mental Health Research UK - the first UK charity dedicated to funding research into the causes of and cures for mental illness. Transforming lives - making a difference in the long-term http://www.mhruk.org/ So please dig deep and donate now

Thank you so much Jean and Adele