Sarah Wootton and Paul Thompson have been paddling together for a few years mainly on the Northumbrian coast and west coast of Scotland. Both are members of Wansbeck Paddle Sports Club where Sarah is a British Canoeing Level 3 Coach and Paul an Advance Sea Leader and Sea Kayak Coach.
In April 2021 they started paddling from Berwick to Inverness but were constrained by Covid and work commitments meaning it wasn’t continuous. From Inverness, with a career break having been given by Sarah’s employers they decided to continue the journey round to Gretna Green. They paddled 2358km in the end and were only stopped by bad weather for more than one day just once for a memorable 6 days trying to get round the Mull of Kintyre as depression after depression hit this mighty headland. In the end they raised just over £50,000.
The money has been used to help kick start new mental health projects in Northumberland which they will support further from the fund, donations to Christies Cancer Charity, the RNLI and a new marine conservation project is to be announced in August this year.
Purchased a teepee which is being used to provide children and young people with additional needs, the opportunity to experience a comfortable safe night under the stars in a woodland environment
More information at www.kayakroundscotland.com
In April 2022 fate produced an opportunity to combine:
(1). A desire to do something positive for children and families experiencing the horror of the Ukraine war
(2). A desire for a more intensive trip
(3). Sarah’s employer supporting the cause after the success of 2021.
They have started an attempt to circumnavigate Ireland and hope to have an enjoyable trip and most importantly raise funds for Ukraine. They have build a website where people can donate and stay up to date with their progress and hopefully feel that they are part of the journey.
They know that they will face challenges, both physical and psychological. However, they are also deeply aware of how fortunate they are to be able to consider such a trip whilst millions of Ukranians are displaced. This is the motivation for the trip, please support by donating through the website and by sharing the messages and enabling more people to join the journey.
More information at www.kayakroundireland.com
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