Paddle for hope

3rd May 2024

Make every paddle count

A pair of friends will be making every paddle count as they take on an epic challenge in aid of St Luke’s.

Ben Patrick and Gareth Thomas are embarking on a six day kayak challenge along the Jurassic coast today in memory of Ben’s sister Netha and Gareth’s mum.

The two friends have known each other all their lives, after growing up together in Trevalga, North Cornwall, before moving to Plymouth. Gareth is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Ben works for Wales and West Utilities installing gas mains.

Turn the tide on cancer

Ben says; “We have both enjoyed activity events, obstacle races, cycling events and kayaking and had the idea of combining something we enjoy with raising money for a good cause. In 2019 we came up with the sea kayak challenge and paddled from Plymouth to Lands End, it’s taken this long to recover and forget the hardship of our first trip!”

The friends are on a mission to turn the tide on cancer and will therefore be raising money for both St Luke’s and Cornwall Hospice Care’s Mount Edgcumbe.

Ben’s sister Netha died in 2021 and Gareth’s mum died last month, after both being diagnosed with cancer.

Hospices are havens of hope

“We were both overwhelmed with the love and support our respective loved ones received in the hospices at such an important moment nearing the end of the battles against cancer which inspired us both to undertake another sea kayak challenge to give something back,” says Ben. “Gareth’s mum supported us in our first sea kayak challenge by following us along the route by land but sadly got diagnosed with lung cancer later that year.

“These are not just sanctuaries for comfort and peace; they are havens of hope for those battling cancer, including our very own loved ones.”

Paddle in their honour

Launching from Brixham this morning, the duo will cover over 140km to Kimmeridge Bay.

“It’s a wild ride with no support vessels – just us, our kayak, and the sea,” says Gareth. “We will be wild camping on beaches, reconnecting with nature and the cause.

“This journey is deeply personal. My mum and Ben’s sister, faced their battles with cancer, experiencing the profound support of hospices in their darkest times. Now, we kayak in their honour and in solidarity with every cancer warrior.”

Follow their fundraising

The pair are aiming to raise at least £1,000 for each hospice, which will be enough to provide care at home for a patient with a terminal diagnosis, just like Ben’s sister and Gareth’s mum.

Following their fundraising journey here.

Get involved

If you have been inspired by Ben and Gareth and would like to take on your own challenge then please get in touch. Don’t forget to ask your company if they do match funding and any money you raise can be matched by them, meaning we will receive even more funds directly to our care.

Ben and Gareth’s JustGiving page Get involved

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