On new years day 2012 a truly inspiring person, Kate Stainsby died in an accident while Kayaking in the Yorkshire Dales. Kate was an amazing women who will live on in the memories of many. Kate will be remembered by all who knew her for her infectious positivity, her love of life, and her adventurous spirit. She participated wholeheartedly in everything she did, including kayaking in Canada, France, Slovenia and New Zealand as a much loved member of York Canoe Club. Outside of kayaking, she also travelled the world in a variety of ways, including a 10 month circumnavigation of the world in a 72 foot racing yacht as part of the 2004 Global Challenge race. She loved a ‘muddy blast’ on her mountain bike, and instigated many an exciting day out in the countryside.

 

Jason was paddling with Kate the day of the accident but was further down the stretch of river when the tragedy took place. As we have become to expect, the emergency services were phenomenal and the services of the The Great North Air ambulance played a huge role in the rescue efforts.

 

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all involved, Kate sadly died in Preston Royal Infirmary, surrounded by her adoring family. However, even in death Kates finest qualities emerged. As a registered organ doner, Kate gave what is thought to be 20 other people a second chance in life, and in doing so prevented their loved ones experiencing what must be one, of life’s toughest challenges.

 

For anyone who participates in Kayaking within Yorkshire or even wider afield, the river Ure will undoubtedly be place of many happy memories. It offers everything from the waterfalls at Asgarth, grade 2-3 white water sections around Slenningford and beautiful touring through the Yorkshire Dales, before changing its name to the River Ouse. From here the Ouse works its way through York and Goole before changing its name yet again to the Humber and finally entering the North Sea at Spun Point around 160 Miles from where it began near Hawes.

 

The River Ure seems like a fitting challenge in Kates memory and a group of paddlers will begin their decent on 09 March and aim to paddled to the North sea in 3 days.

 

The aim of this paddle is to try and raise some awareness of the life saving results of Organ Donation for which more information can be found at

 

http://www.uktransplant.org.uk

 

As donating your organs is not something everyone is able to do, we are also raising money for The Great North Air ambulance. Although we all hope to never require the services of the helicopter, the truth is that you will be very lucky if you don’t know of somebody that does. Undoubtedly the services they provide give the best possible chance for the unfortunate people in need and without charitable donations they would not exist so please give generously at:

 

http://www.justgiving.com/paddletheURE

 

Whether you give to both these honourable causes, just one or none, maybe you can come cheer us on or join us on the river.