The Paddle So Far
Already 15 charities have joined up with Joe’s paddle and they range from the Precious Lives Appeal, Surfer Against Sewage, The Handstand appeal, RNLI, Tanya’s Courage, Shelter Box, Cornwall Hospice, Air Ambulance along with others including charities outside of the south west.
Local surfer Alan Stokes, one of Joe's "usual suspects", signed another surf board given to the Joe Way Paddle team which is being raffled at Hendra Holiday Park for Cornwall Hospice, the Skindog long board has already raised over £600 for the Precious Lives Appeal and has appeared at Monkey Tree Holiday Park and the Ripcurl shop in Newquay.
Hendra Holiday Park who have raised over £5000 for Joe’s website which went to the Precious Lives Appeal is now raising funds for Cornwall Hospice.
Shelter Box fundraising manager Becky Maynard said: ‘We’re delighted to be involved in this amazing event and to be joining up with charities from across the South West. Joe’s story is truly inspirational – all charities try to bring people some degree of hope and we can all learn something from Joe’s courage in fighting against overwhelming odds.’
Rachel Barclay, fundraiser for Surfers Against Sewage, says, "SAS is stoked to be a part of The Joe Way Paddle for Life 2009. We're currently recruiting supporters to take part in the paddle and raise some vital funds for our clean water campaigns - contact us on 01872 533001 if you'd like to get involved."
Jo Hillman from the BSA said “The British Surfing Association is more than happy to support the Joe Way paddle and believe the charity paddle for life is a great idea”.
Matt Way Joe’s Dad said “we have been amazed by the speed charity’s are asking to be included and how they love the concept and how moved they are by Joe’s story. Its going to be a great event so paddlers get signed up on line now and the rest of you come down for a great fun evening with some big raffle prizes including two surf boards, mountain bikes and more, Hog roast of which the profit is going to the round table or The Harbor restaurant and of course the friendly rowing club bar and live music”
Gerald Reilly From The Handstand appeal said "HANDSTAND - The Appeal for Marshall Janson is delighted to be associated with the 'Paddle for Life'. Both Joe's family and our own have known tragedy but we have all embraced these situations in the most positive way we can."
With Paddles on the website in Devon for CLIC, the Thames for Little Haven Children's Hospice and the Precious Lives appeal, Portsmouth for a local disabled youth club, France and Hawaii of which the dates are to be confirmed who knows where this will stop.