Unique Canoe Challenge
Gives Funding Boost to Charity
Photo: Karl Midlane
Simon Outhwaite’s innovative idea to raise money through a five-canoe, ten person
challenge from Oxford to Windsor has netted an amazing £9,000 so far for Ronald
McDonald House Charities.
supported by
The donation will go towards the running costs of the charity’s
Oxford facility, providing free ‘home away from home’
accommodation for families of children being treated at John
Radcliffe Hospital.
After huge time and effort, the team of ten set off on Friday,
8th July on the three-day event, beating squally weather and
more than a few aches and pains on a frugal journey, with a
basic scout hut serving as their resting place on the first night.
Simon’s first grandchild, Bella, spent the first five weeks of
her life in the hospital during which time his daughter and her
partner had the opportunity to be near Bella in the relaxed
and comfortable surroundings of the House.
Simon said: “It was a tough challenge and I am grateful to the
whole team for helping me to make it all happen. We had
a few adventures along the way dodging motor boats and
rowers, but we came through to finish on time. All who took
part are amazed at people’s generosity and kindness. It is
beyond belief; the monies raised will help so many.”
Keen to ensure other families going through the trauma of an
ill child in hospital can have the same support, Simon planned
a very different challenge with his family and close friends.
Student safety seminar (22-23 OCT)
With in-depth sessions on planning, coaching, equipment, rescue, transport and legal responsibilities, this weekend
seminar is the perfect opportunity for anyone involved in a university or college club to get up to date with
the latest thinking in paddlesport safety.
www.pyb.co.uk
The task was never intended to be easy. It required the
craftsmanship of Simon and one of his work colleagues, Ian
Goldswain, to build two of the canoes out of wood rather than
fibreglass, and then with family and friends, canoeing 70 miles
from Osney Marina in Oxford to the finish in a pub in Windsor
for celebrations and a raffle. Moreover, some of the team had
hardly stepped into a canoe before other than during their
school days.
Canoe Focus Autumn 2016
To find out more about Ronald
McDonald House Charities
and how to support them, visit: www.rmhc.org.uk.
15