Two intrepid kayakers from Wales have paddled 110km over two days to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Nick Fleet and Jonathan Sykes, keen sea kayakers and members of the Round Table, visited several RNLI lifeboat stations during their trip from Aberystwyth to Abersoch on 27 and 28 April.
Nick said: ‘We are always looking for a good excuse to do more paddling and this seemed to tick all the boxes: two days kayaking was the challenge, to visit all seven lifeboat stations in the area, to support the nominated Round Table charity and do some fundraising for the RNLI who are close to our hearts as an organisation.’
Launching into the River Rheidol at Aberystwyth, the pair made it to Shell Island just north of Barmouth on the first day, passing the spectacular Welsh scenery and keeping company with a variety of wildlife including a curious seal, along the way.
On the second day Nick and Jonathan set off past Harlech Castle and across Tremadoc Bay to Cricceath before paddling on to Abersoch.
Throughout the trip, the two kayakers were welcomed by the volunteer crew at several lifeboat stations, including Aberdovey where Deputy Launching Authority Dave Williams greeted them with tea and biscuits.
Dave said: ‘The money Nick and Jonathan raised on this trip will help us save lives at sea - as a charity, we couldn’t do what we do without the efforts of people like them. It was great to meet them both to say thank you in person, and to wish them well on the rest of their journey.’
Nick said: ‘The two highlights for me were paddling as the sun set on day one, knowing we had paddled further then we expected, and the people we met when we stopped. At every RNLI station, the volunteers we met were from the local village communities. They seem like an extended family that work together and quite literally rely on each other. They were full of encouragement and interest in our challenge and genuinely grateful for our efforts.’
So far Nick and Jonathan raised £700 for the RNLI.
Notes to editors
- Nick and Jonathan visited RNLI lifeboat stations at Aberystwyth, Borth, Barmouth, Aberdovey, Criccieth, Pwllheli and Abersoch.
- To support Nick and Jonathan’s challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/Colwyn-Bay-RNLI.
Media contacts
For more information please contact the Isla Reynolds, Public Relations Officer, on 01202 663127 or 07899 076224 or by email at isla_reynolds@rnli.org.uk.