4th December 2009
Stand-up Paddle Boarders, from the seasoned pro to the absolute beginner, are being encouraged to sign-up for competitions across East Anglia to raise funds for a local children’s hospice.
Roland Gurner, of Ely-based Fen Paddle Company, plans to stage a stand up paddle league competition in Cambridge, Norwich and Peterborough next summer to raise vital funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Roland introduced flat-water paddle-boarding to the UK this year (a water sport which shares some skills associated with canoeing, kayaking, surfing and skateboarding), a move which generated much interest in the regional and national media.
He now hopes the stand up paddle league events, which will see teams of six competing in various courses to test speed, agility and balance, will introduce the exciting sport to a wider audience and raise vital funds for EACH.
EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity’s hospices based at Milton in Cambridgeshire, Quidenham in Norfolk and Ipswich in Suffolk, which also serves North Essex.
This year it is anticipated that it will cost about £5.8 million to run all three of our hospice services - approximately 72 per cent of this is required from voluntary donations.
Roland said: "It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been on a paddle board before - we’re just looking for people who are interested in trying something new, having fun and raising money for EACH.
"We will provide all of the equipment you need, so anyone can take part, and as an added bonus we will provide a free training session to help you master the sport.
"All you have to do is get in touch and register your interest to take part."
To register your interest in the stand up paddle league, visit
www.fenpaddle.co.uk, or call Roland Gurner on 07979 857857.
