ThePADDLER 26
middle rock on the rapid and had my first and only roll . I rolled very quickly but went back to being nervous .
Our group was hugely encouraging , however , and Lowri and Aaron told me I would smash it every time and that they believed in me . On that final lap , I turned around and told Lowri and Aaron that I wasn ’ t nervous ( partly because I was too tired to be so ) and would smash it . And I did ! The moment I finished that rapid , I was ecstatic . Both at having had a good line and at completing the challenge . The cheers from the crowds on the bridge and paddlers on the water were super loud , and I just felt so happy !
I looked upstream to watch Aaron and Sophie in the duo , who were the last paddlers to come down . They had a very unfortunate line which resulted in a swim . Thankfully they were both fine , and Sophie continued to grin even as she swam to the side ! This was Aaron ’ s first swim in six years , and he took it in very good grace . He enjoyed ending his 24 hours with a beer bootie , and Sophie also experienced her first ( nonalcoholic ) beer bootie !
THANK YOU This was a tough challenge and one we could not have completed without the fantastic support we received . Thank you to everyone who gave that support . Thank you to our amazing support crew who cheered for us every lap , ensured we had food and drinks , helped carry boats on the portage and generally encouraged us throughout . I do not think we could have kept paddling throughout those last laps without it .
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the water or came to see us paddle . The bridge brigade was terrific , and it made such a difference !
Thank you to everyone who took photos and videos over the weekend . Especially Allan Potts and Tom Clare for supporting us for most of the 24 hours . Allan took some incredible photos and Tom made us a short film about the challenge . It felt like we had our own paparazzi !
And thank you to everyone who donated , sent us good luck or shared our challenge with others . We have absolutely smashed our target , and those three great charities will now be supported further thanks to you . If you still wish to donate , here is our donation page ! Thank you !
MORE ABOUT THE CHARITIES WE PADDLED FOR … Young Minds . This is a charity aimed at supporting the mental health of young people .
Rainbows Hospice . This is the only hospice in the East Midlands that provides children , and young people care . The charity helps children to have fun and provides much-needed support for their loved ones .
The Air Ambulance Service . This is a charity that provides emergency helicopter services for those in need of urgent medical attention .
Aaron and Sophie booties by Del Read
Night paddling by Allan Potts
Thank you again to all our support crew , our sponsors and all of the brilliant people who came out to cheer us on over the weekend . We are very grateful !