Paddler Stewart McLean is embarking on an extraordinary and poignant journey, cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in a powerful tribute to his wife, Julia, who tragically lost her life in a paddleboard incident.
The purpose of his monumental cycle is to raise vital awareness of paddleboard safety and to highlight a crucial safety message that could save lives.
The incident that claimed Julia’s life in 2024 occurred when her ankle leash became entangled in an environment where entanglement risks were present.
Through this cycle, Stewart is campaigning to inform all paddlers that when paddling in rivers, estuaries, or any environment with a risk of entanglement, a quick-release waist leash is the appropriate and safest choice, and an ankle leash should not be used.
Stewart is taking on the cycling challenge with Gavin Matthews. They plan to set off from Land’s End on Thursday 21st August to complete a twelve stage challenge spanning the length of the country and raise funds for Vine Trust.
Their mission is not only to raise safety awareness but also to honour Julia’s memory and support the fund established in her name.
Stewart is fundraising in aid of Vine Trust’s Jubilee Hope Medical Programme on Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Julia was a member of the Vine Trust board and a much-loved and admired volunteer. Julia had worked aboard the Jubilee Hope medical ship three times and had planned two further trips.
The money raised will be split equally between the Vine Trust’s medical work in Tanzania and the grant fund set up in Julia’s name to support medical, dental, nursing and midwifery students working with the Vine Trust.
Stewart’s journey will serve as a moving and powerful reminder to the paddlesport community and the wider public about the importance of making informed safety decisions on the water.
Paddle UK fully supports Stewart’s courageous initiative and encourages everyone to follow his journey, and share his message.
For further information and to support Stewart’s fundraiser please visit: https://www.vinetrust.org/fundraising/page/lands-end-to-john-ogroats-in-memory-of-julia-mclean
Watch Paddle UK’s leash advice as part of it’s #PaddleSafe campaign https://youtu.be/xk7nAMe0uK8?feature=shared