As Easter approaches, it's time to announce our challenge for 2025.

Over the winter we have been paddling the waterways of the Kennet & Avon Canal and Thames, training in preparation for the Devizes to Westminster canoe race which is held over the Easter weekend.

The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race (DW) is the world’s longest non-stop canoe race. Paddlers begin their journey in the small town of Devizes, Wiltshire and paddle 125 miles and navigate 77 locks until they reach Westminster in the heart of London. This is an endurance event, which for the seniors, will see us set off around 0600 on Saturday 19th and paddle non stop until arriving in London on Easter Sunday.

We have accepted the course record most probably will remain unachievable by 2 6ft middle-aged men crammed in a small 2 man kayak cockpit. Our aim purely is to complete the course in a respectable time (Around 30 hours) and in doing so raise some money for a fantastic cause.

Andrew C has completed the course on previous occasions and is very much the brains behind he operation. He will, on completion enter the elite 1000 mile club.

This is a first for Andy R, (who after finally recovering from his half Marathon and Cycling challenge of Lands End to John O Groats, in which he raised money for Young Lives V Cancer,) felt it was now time for a new challenge. Andy is just the motor and keeps the kayak pointing in the right direction.

We will be supported by a fantastic shore team who will keep us fed, watered and (as much as possible) in ship shape till we reach the end!

Now the serious bit,

We decided our entry will be in aid of raising money for Young Lives V Cancer and in support of The Matthews family fundraising campaign (please read their story https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Russell-Matthews-2023?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL ). Russ will be running the Boston Marathon over the weekend of the Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

Harry is currently undergoing treatment and will be our motivation whilst completing the estimated 96,000 paddle strokes through the event.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, life becomes full of fear - for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer.

SO please, if you would like to sponsor us, however generous, (even if its a few pennies found down the back of the sofa!), this money for Young lives will make such a difference, enabling them to continue their fantastic work supporting families rocked by cancer.

Andrew & Andy x