OK, here we go again!!

We are three enthusiastic and optimistic self-proclaimed ‘Muppets’ who have built a homemade budget raft that we recently paddled from Devizes to London. Having accepted Sam Pinkham's challenge issued to us live on the Chris Evan’s Breakfast Show while we were paddling; we now find ourselves preparing for our second challenge - crossing the Solent on our homemade raft. As if this was not enough, Vassos from the Chris Evans Breakfast Show will be SWIMMING alongside (ahead of) us! We are not sure which of  the two methods is more crazy, but they are both for a fantastic cause!

We do not underestimate this challenge.  It was really hard to paddle our homemade raft against the light breezes on the river Thames. Now we are going to try and battle the waves and wind and cross from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, while trying to stay alongside the endurance sport enthusiast that is Vassos!

The only thing that has made us accept this ridiculous challenge (apart from sheer madness and excitement!) is that it is for such an amazing cause.

Charles’ father, Rob, died in May this year after a short battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in February and moved from hospital into St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley, West Sussex. The staff, particularly the nursing staff, were amazing and treated Rob with the utmost respect and dignity allowing him to have a peaceful death surrounded by his family. This meant more than anything.

Everyone should have access to a hospice when needed, but funding is short and it is a constant battle to keep all these vital services going.

 So….. off we go again. While Vassos gets his training in, we are rapidly trying to make some adjustments to our raft (which is made up of a wooden frame, floorboards and agricultural barrels), adding a bow and praying that the sea won't be too rough!

Anything you can do to support us and our ambitious challenge would be very gratefully received.  We would love, with your help, to raise some serious money for such a worthy cause. Your support will help make sure St Catherine’s can continue providing their brilliant care to other families like Charles’ when it’s needed most.

Thank you very much for any support you can give

From the Three Muppets