I will be paddling around the Cornish coastline (approx 200 miles) on a rescue board to raise money for two charities very close to my heart - The Sophie Clarke Foundation and Alzheimer's Society.

Sophie Clarke was a dear friend of mine and an all round beautiful person. She took her own life in 2020 at the age of 26. This is something that to this day does not seem real to me as she was always the life of the party, popular, successful and on the outside seemingly so happy. She is greatly missed and her tragic death has really highlighted the prevalence and issue of mental health in todays society. Her family set up The Sophie Clarke Foundation with the mission to tackle the current UK mental health crisis by collaborating with and supporting charities who are implementing proactive and preventative solutions that improve mental health and resilience.

The Alzheimer's Society is another charity I am raising money for. My beautiful nan Kathleen Jenkins died of this horrible disease in 2008 at the age of 76. She was a strong, elegant woman that fought until the bitter end. Her bravery and natural fight always inspired me, and as a young man I remember throughout her battle wanting to jump in the ring and help her fight this evil disease that was taking her away.

This paddle will be painful but nothing in comparison to what these two charities are fighting.

I have had to set up two fundraising pages for the two charities but would love donations to be as equal as possible.

To read my paddle updates, click on either team page to see how I've been getting on.