Cornish Toddlers Charity Event Hands Out Funds

An exhilarating, fun-filled afternoon and evening at the Joe Way Paddle for Life 2025 at Newquay Harbour, in memory of four-year-old Newquay boy Joe, who died in 2008, has raised over £5,380 to support local charities, with donations still coming in.

Joe Way was born with a rare genetic condition and had been labelled a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction, the rare ‘Steven Johnson Syndrome’ (SJS), and numerous superbugs. After numerous courageous fights for his life, Joe finally passed away after suffering from SJS for a second time, this time causing his organs to fail completely.

Since his death, parents, Matt and Claire Way, have campaigned tirelessly to raise money for over 20 causes in his name, much of which has been raised through the Paddle for Life, which they established after his death. To date, the annual events have raised over £185,000.

The water-based event involves local surf lifesaving clubs and lifeguards competing for various awards, whilst on shore, a carnival atmosphere is ensured through live music, refreshments, and various charity stalls.

This year saw the thirtieth Paddle for Life take place after a break of five years due to Covid and family illness. The afternoon commenced in spectacular style as six skydivers jumped from a plane at just 10,000ft. Ben Wood, Dave Wood, Olly Denham, and Ralph Mitchell of the Cornish Parachute Club, based at Perranporth, gave the crowds a real show!

The skydivers were picked up by Cornwall Surf Life Saving and entered Newquay Harbour to huge applause, followed by pilot Chris Fowler treating the crowds to a flyby. The Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter also did a flyby - never a dull moment!

There was a great musical sunset session, and this year's line-up consisted of Ash Harding, Oll An Gwella, Newquay Rowing Club Male Voice Choir, and various DJs from Amplify Southwest, including Joe’s sister Rosie Way.

The Paddle for Life is organized in partnership with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall. It raises money from the paddler’s entry fees, food stalls, drink sales at the rowing club, and the prize draw raffle. The hugely successful raffle included a signed guitar from singer James Morrison and a painting from artist Doug Hinge as some of the prizes.

The paddle races saw children of all ages and abilities paddling in memory of the Newquay toddler, with commentary from Anton Roberts and live broadcasting on Radio Newquay.

The relay was won by Newquay Surf Life Saving Club, and with lots of teams taking part, it was a fierce competition but fun race, inspirational paddler was won by Alfie Coleman-Smith for his progress at Newquay surf life savers which gave him confidence to enter the paddle this year and highest fundraiser has gone to Sam for organising the online draw this year.

The RNLI race was one of the most competitive so far, with new faces adding to the legacy that was started by Fistral lifeguards back in 2008. The “Manns” team won the Joe Way Memorial Cup, presented by Matt with thanks and a reminder to all of how important the cup has been in creating a legacy in Joe’s memory.

Special thanks to all behind-the-scenes support staff and volunteers for all the time and effort put into this, preparing for and delivering on the day, without whom we could not run the event.

Thanks also to this year's Charity Stall Holders supporting the event: The Wave Project, Children's Hospice Southwest, Penhaligon’s Friends, Surfers Against Sewage, Cornwall Air Ambulance, and St Petroc’s.

Matt Way said, “After five years of not running the event, the team and family felt that it was the right time to relaunch the event, to celebrate what would have been Joe’s 21st birthday last September. So many people have enjoyed this event as kids and now have returned as adults, some with their own children; it is so uplifting for us as a family that we can celebrate Joe’s short but impactful life.”

Donations for This Year