Samson Centre for MS – Staff Challenge 2024

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT !

In September the staff set off from the Samson Centre in Canoes with aim to meet the Thames just below Shepperton Lock at Elmbridge Canoe Club. The target is to travel the 14 miles in under 8 hours, which for Alison, Rachel, Maria, Emma, Claire is no easy achievement as they are novice canoeists. They will have back up from an additional 3 members of the Samson Centre Team who will be on the tow path all the way to support the canoe challenge.

Paul ,Wey Kayak Coach and Ergo programme manager, is also completing the challenge.

His expertise, knowledge of the river and kayaking tips have been invaluable to the team, without his support this challenge could not take place .

This a demonstration of clubs and communities coming together for the good of all .

A canoe challenge was decided upon by the team, to reflect the close relationship between the Samson Centre for MS and the Wey Kayak Club both based on the riverside in Guildford. The Samson Centre were awarded in 2022 the National Innovation Trophy by the MS Trust for the introduction of kayaking into the programme at the Centre. The benefits experienced by so many people who live with MS by participating in Kayak ergo sessions, has seen a huge growth in interest. The Centre has expanded the offer with adaptative kayaks and a hoist to assist with getting in and out of the kayaks. Debbie Boulter the Centre Manager says “we need additional funds to help fund the installation of the hoist and the purchase of the specialist slings needed, costing £2,200, it is wonderful that the staff volunteered to help by a sponsored challenge.”

The group have been practising every week to build up their endurance, as well as their competency in canoeing. Claire said “there are lots of skills to be learnt, the steering isn’t easy but Wey Kayak Club have been very supportive loaning us the equipment as well as their expertise, but ultimately it’ll come down to us” Alison expands “The course requires us to navigate around several locks which is hard work, pulling the canoes out and carrying around multiple locks, in two cases we have to carry cross roads, but everyone is kind, even complete strangers have helped us at times – thanks Hugo if you’re reading this“

The intrepid group are building up milage they cover each week, so when we get to the week before we’ll know we can cover two thirds of the distance. So if you see a group of canoeists wearing the distinctive Samson Centre tops give them a wave and also please donate what you can in the “Just Giving” page.

UPDATE - The date of the challenge is SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER. We are continuing to train both in the gym and on the water. We are trying to increase our stamina as the paddle is likely to take over 8 hours, so we are trying to spend longer periods paddling. Images attached include a basic map of our route showing the start and finish. The start is at the Samson Centre and the finish on the Thames at Elmbridge Canoe Club. We will be passing through 8 locks on our route (as informed by Nigel S), where we will be taking the boats out of the water and round the locks before continuing on our way. Our land crew of Davinia, Vicky and Julia will be supporting and assisting us on and off the water.

For further information contact Debbie Boulter debbie.boulter@samsoncentre.org.uk