This Easter we are taking part in the International Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race. This is a 125 mile race from Devizes to Westminster down the Thames. The race will take us 4 days, canoeing over 30 miles a day and at night camping by the side of the river. This is one of the most gruelling canoe races on the planet and a severe test of physical and mental strength for us both. Neither of us had sat in a racing kayak until a few months ago so just stopping the boat from capsizing was a challenge in itself. However after a few cold and wet weeks we are finally coming to grips with keeping the boat the right way up and are now building up our fitness and strength for the Race.

We are doing this challenge for the Rainbow Centre. The Rainbow Centre is a haven for children who live in appalling conditions many of whom were affected by the 2004 Tsunami. The Rainbow Centre gives the children the education needed to get into the mainstream Sri Lankan school system and provides transport for Children who live too far away to walk to school. For these children education is the only way out of poverty. At the moment the Rainbow Foundation are trying to raise money to build a new classroom. Our preliminary aim is to raise enough to fund for half of this classroom. We both feel very strongly about giving these children some of the opportunities that we have had growing up and giving them the opportunity to bring themselves and their families out of the poverty that they live in. 

Any donations no matter how small would be greatly appreciated by both us and inspire us to paddle on throughout training and the testing parts of the race to help these children. Thank you.