The Big Avon Paddle 2023

On Saturday 16 May, in spite of initial heavy rain, 70 amazing participants turned up for registration at The Boathouse Bath to take part in The Big Avon Paddle event!

A team of Dorothy House volunteers and CK Sup & Paddle were there to give a warm welcome to everyone, along with delicious breakfast rolls and warming coffee from The Boathouse.

The welcome talk from Maggie Crowe, Director of Patient + Family Services at Dorothy House provided an overview about the care and support for patients and their families in the 700 square mile community area covered by the Hospice.  Participants were thanked for their vital support and fabulous fundraising by taking part in The Big Avon Paddle.  There was also a cheque presentation from The Boathouse and Hall & Woodhouse for their generous donation of £2,400.10 raised during the year.

After an event briefing from Byron Baker-Brown at CK Sup & Paddle, it was time for all the paddlers to make a start.  Participants took to the water at 10am for the legendary Big Avon Paddle, now in its third year!

Why take part in The Big Avon Paddle?

The picturesque river route consisted of a 4.5-mile loop starting at The Boathouse with a midway refreshment stop at Avon County Rowing Club, Saltford before the returning to the start.  Paddlers chose to do the loop as many times as they wanted, allowing it to be a paced event, enjoyable for participants of all abilities and ages.

There was plenty of time during the day to catch up with fellow paddlers and share their amazing stories along the way about how Dorothy House has helped them and their loved ones.

All participants showed great determination and many even made personal records on the water.

Mark James Dalgleish travels from Worthing to take part each year and completed an incredible 33.21 miles – seven loops!

“My route consists of leaving Bath at Pultney Bridge and heading up, then paddling as many miles as I can, then I paddle back down to Bath.”  He is already setting a new target for the next time he takes part.

16-year old Max Jeffries took part as a way of giving back:  “Dorothy House supported my Mum for almost two years at the end of her life, providing weekly care from their specialist palliative care nurses at home, and they’ve been there for me ever since.”

“Dorothy House does wonders not just for patients, but for people affected by life limiting illnesses. You’d think a hospice would be a gloomy place, but that’s not the case, it’s an upbeat, positive environment and I’m taking part to give something back.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nadia Dahabiyeh only happened upon the event at the last minute whilst visiting the area with her young family.  She was so keen to get on board that she stayed an extra night in order to take part and support Dorothy House before setting off on a long drive back home! Nadia is keen to return next year with a group of friends.

Once the paddlers finished their challenge they were presented with a beautiful wooden medal (Zero Waste Medals) to mark the occasion.

The Boathouse provided delicious complementary pizza for all our paddlers and everyone was treated to live music from ‘LOCUM’, a wonderful Ukulele group that kept everyone entertained.

The grand total…

Huge congratulations to all our amazing paddlers at The Big Avon Paddle.  Together you have so far raised an incredible £12,000!

This amazing contribution will help us to continue to deliver outstanding end-of-life care. It could fund 30 separate visits from a compassionate, skilled and experienced Hospice at Home carer to provide care overnight, enabling a patient to stay at home at the end of their life.  In addition, it could fund 12 expert counsellors to run 7 support group sessions each for young adults with a life-limiting illness, helping them feel less alone.

We hope to see you again at the next Big Avon Paddle event!