Paddle for hope

6th June 2026

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

Related articles

, ,

Dave’s reason to ride: Making every mile matter

Dave will take on Tour de Moor for the fourth time this October, riding in memory of two much-loved members of his family and encouraging more friends to join him. For Dave, it’s about challenge, camaraderie and helping St Luke’s continue to make a difference.
, ,

Anna Gelderd MP backs fairer end-of-life care

Cornwall MP visits St Luke’s and backs fairer end of life care on both sides of the Tamar.
, ,

Tourist sisters travel from Essex to see Guiding Lights shine

Essex sisters Maria and Emma travelled to Plymouth for the first time, drawn by their love of charity art trails and St Luke’s Guiding Lights.
, ,

How our community is taking St Luke’s Guiding Lights to heart

A month into St Luke’s Guiding Lights, thousands have taken to Plymouth’s streets to explore the trail. Discover the incredible community spirit behind the sculptures and what’s still to come.
, ,

Sanctuary: a lighthouse beaming with love, care and compassion

The best artworks aren’t just beautiful to look at - they tell a story. Artist Alice Nimmo’s Guiding Lights design, Sanctuary, does both.
Nina retirement
, ,

How Nina turned personal gratitude into a lasting legacy

After more than 14 years helping to shape and grow fundraising at St Luke's, Partnerships Manager Nina Wearne is preparing to retire, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of support for local hospice care.
Midnight Walk
, ,

Sunny skies and heartfelt memories as 1,300 join St Luke’s Midnight Walk

Nearly 1,300 kind-hearted walkers took to the sunny streets of the city on Friday 10 July night for Midnight Walk 2026, remembering special family members and friends and raising vital funds to support the compassionate end of life care St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth delivers in the local community.
, ,

A partnership built on gratitude: Why Michael Spiers supports St Luke’s Midnight Walk

Since 2023, Michael Spiers has proudly sponsored St Luke’s Midnight Walk, helping to support one of the charity’s most popular fundraising events. For Managing Director Adam Spiers, the relationship with St Luke’s goes far beyond business sponsorship.
St Luke's Guiding Lights
, ,

St Luke’s Guiding Lights: Plymouth’s spectacular lighthouse trail set to shine this summer

A spectacular line-up of more than 40 show-stopping lighthouse sculptures will map out a magical journey through the streets of Britain’s Ocean City this summer in a bold and joyful project that matches art and discovery with compassion and community.
PreviousNext

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information

New Ivybridge charity shop is bigger, better and brimming with bargain furn...Making memories reach new heights