Photos: David Harkness & Dan McGaley
Forty six fundraisers paddled over 20 miles to raise more than £10,000 for Steel Bones, a charity that supports amputees and their families.
Members from Sudbury and Colchester Canoe Clubs, aided by the River Stour Trust, came together to expertly guide a team of amputee paddlers and their families along the River Stour earlier in September.
The Steel Bones participants took on the challenge between Sudbury and Cattawade, raising money to support amputees and their families, providing crucial support, resources, and a community where individuals can share experiences.
After being contacted by Steel Bones in January, Sudbury Canoe Club invited members to train at their club regularly alongside safety sessions ahead of the September challenge.
The challenge fundraiser was Steel Bones’ first since 2018, as the participants navigated the 20-mile stretch of the River Stour across two days.
Clare Symes, a member of Sudbury Canoe Club, said:
“It was a fantastic event and great to collaborate with Colchester Canoe Club in putting this challenge on. It’s raised so much money for a great cause, as well as getting so many people out paddling.
“None of the participants had any paddling experience prior to the challenge so we managed to get them all into sessions with our lead coach before heading out.
“It was brilliant to have a range of paddlers come and train through our club and they were all confident on the water by the time the challenge came around.
“The two-day event was so inspirational and some fantastic stories stood out to me.
“One of the participants, John, is a below-elbow amputee. Having never paddled before, he went and bought himself a kayak ahead of the challenge.
“He has an arm that enables him to paddle, and he also took independent lessons so it was fantastic that he took up the sport so quickly.
“There was also Scarlett, a 14-year-old with a high above knee amputation. She was determined to do the whole trip and she did brilliantly, raising over £3,000 herself which is incredible.
“A couple of young lads who took part in the challenge did fantastic and enjoyed it so much they joined our canoe club and have been coming regularly since.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip and to raise so much money for a great cause is a huge success.”
Gary Hawksworth, a Steel Bones charity trustee who created the event, said:
“The event was a great success.
“The Sudbury and Colchester Canoe Clubs were instrumental in the smooth running of the event. Their on-water support was outstanding, helping to guide and assist the participants.
“We also had incredible assistance from our Steel Bones volunteers, who worked tirelessly to help amputees and move canoes over portages, ensuring everyone could complete the challenge.
“The event also brought an amazing sense of achievement to all participants – many of whom have only recently undergone amputations and are still receiving medical treatment.
“Despite the physical demands, everyone who completed the challenge felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, even though they were understandably tired.”
“This challenge has raised crucial funds to help more people who need crisis support.”
A JustGiving page raising money for Steel Bones can be found here.
If you’re inspired by the story and would love to give paddling a go?
You can also find out how to get involved, look for a club that offers Paracanoe related activities near you and check out some upcoming events to go and enjoy.