I am taking part in the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race that takes place from Good Friday to Easter Monday alongside my canoe partner and friend, Phoebe. I am grateful to my school, Dauntsey’s, and its all-embracing adventure department for giving our team of fourteen 16–17-year-old canoeists the opportunity to complete what is known as the ‘Kayakers Everest’ over a period of four days.

The race consists of 125 gruelling miles and 77 portages where the kayakers must carry their boats and run, in order to get back into the water. Throughout the race, we sleep in tents and rely on our faithful support crews to ensure that we get the food and water we need to paddle. We have been trialling and learning the technique of kayaking since September of 2021, and paddle three times a week.

However, there is a driving force behind my determination to take part and finish this race. I am aiming to raise money for and awareness about Women’s Aid and their incredible initiative ‘Expect Respect’ in memory of an effervescent friend, daughter, sister, cousin and granddaughter, Ellie Gould.

On the 3rd May 2019 my friend, Ellie, was murdered in her home by her ex-boyfriend. I cannot summarise the enormity of what happened. This was an event that not only caused irreparable grief and loss to Ellie’s immediate family and friends but also had enormous repercussions in the wider community.

It has been proven that Ellie’s murderer’s behaviour pattern could have been recognised from an earlier age. A previous partner has spoken of coercive and controlling behaviour. I strongly believe that educational structures should educate school-aged children on this matter in order for them to understand what a healthy relationship should look like. 

Women’s Aid have stated that ‘We have seen increasing evidence that both boys and girls are unsure about what is inappropriate controlling or abusive behaviour in relationships, let alone what to do if they experience behaviour that upsets, frightens or harms them.’.

For many years, local Women’s Aid services have taken their expertise into schools to help prevent and raise awareness of abuse in relationships whilst there is still time to change. This toolkit distils that expertise and provides support for this vital work that can be approached by professionals working directly with young people.

This is only a portion of the amazing and influential work that they do. Please copy and paste this link to find out more information: https://www.womensaid.org.uk

Ellie is in my thoughts every day, and I am glad to finally be doing and acting on something I am so passionate about.

Thank you for reading, and please consider gifting any amount. Each sponsor will spur Phoebe and me on!

Scout