Charity canoe challenge

2 December 2020

While we are all surely looking ahead to what will hopefully be a relaxing Christmas, two construction professionals are already focusing on next Easter.

Georgie Horgan and her father, John, from Dun Mill Construction in Cirencester, are busy practising for the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon in April, to raise funds for the mental health charity, Mind.

The timed challenge covers 125 miles from the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes and along the River Thames to Westminster Bridge. The duo aim to complete the course within 24 hours, paddling non-stop.

“My father has completed the Canoe Marathon before, but I only started training four weeks ago when we bought our K2 racing kayak,” Georgie tells me.

“We go out training - in the dark - on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 5am for an hour, with longer sessions at weekends. There are also four practice races that we have to complete before the April event. Overall it will be a great test of our physical and mental strength.”

You can support this worthy initiative by donating at JustGiving.

Businesses can also sponsor the kayak with their corporate logos and branding. One hirer that is getting involved in this way is Bison Plant Hire, which is also based in Cirencester.

“We are pleased to support Georgie and John in their challenge,” says director Guy Tomblin. “It’s something different and upbeat. As well as being for a worthy cause, we all need to get behind something like this after such an unusual year."

Guy adds that business is brisk at Bison. “At times our yard is virtually empty, which shows how busy construction companies and house builders are at the moment.”