Story
River Tamar — Source to Sea Expedition
103 kilometres. 4 paddlers. One vital cause — St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.
In May this year, the four of us (Matt, Ricky, Lee and Rob) will take on a coast-to-coast endurance challenge to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.
Our goal is simple, but demanding:
To travel the entire length of the River Tamar, from its source on the north coast of Cornwall all the way to the sea at Plymouth Sound on the south coast. A journey of approximately 103 kilometres over three days.
We’re asking for your support to help us raise as much money as possible for this incredible charity.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference.
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The Challenge
The official source of the River Tamar rises high on Woolley Moor near Bude, a remote and rugged landscape that marks the beginning of a remarkable journey from moorland to open ocean.
This will be a true source-to-sea challenge:
• We’ll begin at the official source marker stone on Woolley Moor, walking the first section where the river is too small to paddle.
• From the first viable kayaking point, we’ll take to the water and follow the Tamar through various conditions as it grows from a quiet stream into a powerful tidal estuary.
• Over three demanding days, we’ll journey through rural valleys, ancient crossings and long tidal stretches.
• Our journey will finish at Plymouth Sound, landing at Commercial Wharf Slipway on the Plymouth Barbican, completing a genuine coast-to-coast route.
This will be physically exhausting, mentally challenging, and completely outside our comfort zones…. but every kilometre has meaning.
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Why We’re Doing This
Matt
In 2024, I lost my dad to cancer. During the hardest time our family has ever faced, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth supported my dad, and my family, with complete compassion, dignity and kindness. This challenge is my way of saying thank you, and of helping ensure other families receive the same care should they ever need it.
Ricky
I’ve seen first-hand how important St Luke’s is. My grandad required their support, and the care they provided made an enormous difference to him and our family. Taking on this challenge is my way of giving back to a charity I know truly matters.
Rob
St Luke’s is close to my heart, with members of my close family having worked for the hospice. I’ve seen the dedication and compassion that goes into their care, often behind the scenes. Supporting this challenge is my way of backing a charity that does so much for our community.
Lee
Cancer has affected families close to me, and I’ve seen how devastating that journey can be. My Nan has volunteered at the Plymstock hospice since it was built, so I’ve grown up aware of just how vital St Luke’s care and services are. I wanted to be part of this challenge to help support the incredible work they do for families in our community.
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Why Your Support Matters
Cancer will affect 1 in 2 of us during our lifetime!!!!
If you’ve been fortunate enough not to need the support of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, that is something to be truly grateful for. But make no mistake, for many families, their care becomes absolutely vital.
St Luke’s relies heavily on fundraising and community support to continue delivering its essential services.
By supporting this challenge, you will be helping to:
• Provide compassionate end-of-life care
• Support families through incredibly difficult times
• Ensure comfort, dignity and kindness remain at the heart of care in our community
Every donation — big or small — truly matters.
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From the Source to the Sea
Over three long days on the River Tamar, there will no doubt be moments of exhaustion, aching arms and tough conditions. When that happens, we’ll remember why we started this journey and who we’re doing it for.
We’re paddling for St Luke’s.
We’re paddling for families like ours.
We’re paddling to turn gratitude into action.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story, and for supporting us in any way you can.
Matt, Ricky, Rob & Lee
Fundraiser Officially Sponsored by -
Sandon Medical Clinic Plymouth - https://www.facebook.com/share/17niVWU7ib/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Anderson Plastering - https://www.andersonplastering.com
LD Active - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AThZ9o52r/?mibextid=wwXIfr
LS Building & Plastering Ltd - https://www.facebook.com/share/17yAZJBvjY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
For information on sponsorship, please contact matthew_primmer@hotmail.co.uk