The Big Avon Paddle 2024 – the grand total!

On Saturday, 14 September, The Big Avon Paddle returned for its fourth year, bigger, brighter and even better than before!

The Big Avon Paddle event

It was wonderful to see more than twice the number of 2023 participants booking to take part in this popular event, taking the number to an incredible 165!  Amongst those taking part were 15 groups of families and friends, as well as corporate teams and several cute dogs, all keen to join Dorothy House and CK Sup & Paddle to have some fun on the River Avon.

A team of Dorothy House volunteers was there to welcome participants and their supporters as they arrived in time for registration and refreshments provided by The Boathouse, Bath.

Soon it was time for a welcome talk from Shula Dennard, Community & Events Fundraiser at Dorothy House, and then a safety briefing from Byron Baker-Brown at CK Sup & Paddle.

The day offered two routes for paddlers to choose from: the traditional 4.5 mile loop or a new shorter 1.5 mile loop.  Some participants opted to do a mix of both picturesque routes in this paced event and also had the option to join in a fun pirate themed fancy dress!

Excitement was building as paddlers got ready to launch on their chosen craft, which ranged from paddleboards to kayaks, dragonboards to katakanus and even a hand crafted coracle!  It was a vibrant sight given the colourful addition of pirate costumes being worn and fantastic sunny day we were treated to!

And they’re off!

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

For those supporting on the riverbank, there was lively entertainment provided by Darren ‘Daz’s Rock 4 Charity’ which had people up dancing and singing along. There was also merchandise, a raffle and homemade cakes for sale, all in aid of Dorothy House. The Boathouse provided refreshments during the day, including delicious pizza for participants to enjoy once they had finished paddling.

Each participant was also presented with a beautiful handcrafted wooden medal made by John Fox, one of our lovely Dorothy House supporters, who individually engraved each medal.

Why take on The Big Avon Paddle challenge?

By taking to the River Avon, our paddlers have helped Dorothy House raise vital funds for patients and families in Bath, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Matt Hulland shared his experience of The Big Avon Paddle:

“The Paddle day was amazing, I have not been involved with so many people on the water before. The entertainment all day was also just as good and shows what an amazing charity Dorothy House is.

You took care of my wife very shortly at the beginning of May.  Jen had battled breast cancer for 18 months before choosing Dorothy House as the place to and die peacefully. You gave us the time when Jen and I needed to say our good byes and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”

The grand total…

Huge congratulations to all our amazing paddlers at The Big Avon Paddle. Together you have so far raised an incredible £26,560.75.

This amazing contribution will help us to continue to deliver outstanding end of life care. It could fund 21 lots of 24 hours of care for one patient on our Inpatient Unit, or 96 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.

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

If you’d like to sign up for the Big Avon Paddle 2025, please register your interest here.