Hi all

I have part completed my 35 mile paddle down the Lagan River - check out my images along the way!

My journey so far:

I Canoed from Dromore, Co. Down, Northern Ireland along the Lagan river to Lisburn Island Centre on Tuesday 22nd December, a journey of 24 miles. 

Setting off at 7am in the very cold wintery and icy morning, i passed under the infamous Dromore Viaduct and continued on a meandering journey through to Donacloney where i stopped for a hot toddy and smoked salmon around 10am.  Continuing toward Magheralin and the green farmlands of Moira as the sun sparked off the frosty grass, i spotted a fox drinking at the water side, swans, a couple of snipe and lapwings.  Stopping briefly for lunch as it was so cold not moving or paddling, we stumbled upon 6 mature lambs which were stranded.  Adding a further 40 minutes to our journey, we rescued these one by one, leading them further downstream and up a low bank to where they were reunited with the rest of their flock.  Along the way we must have passed about 4 dead sheep, 20 or so footballs and other dumped rubbish, which was sad to witness. 

As i bypassed Moira the sun set and the new moon reflected on the still water (see photos).  It was difficult to see, especially branches, debris and swans flying straight at us!  Having ventured under the bridge past the meat factory in Lisburn and down over the weir in the darkness, we finaly arrived at the Civic Centre car park at half 8. 

I hope to continue the journey from Lisburn to Belfast before the month ends when the water levels are slightly higher. I will keep you posted on progress and when i have finished i will be sure to upload my images. Thanking you all for your support so far, it is greatly apprecaited.

I would like my paddle of 35 miles to raise awareness about our global water crisis and provide fresh water for children in developing lands though the charity ‘Water for Kids’.

Recent reports of flooding in the UK remind us just how much water we have.  It is easy to take for granted how clean (through processing plants) and accessible (transported directly into our homes) it truly is – not to mention vital to our existence!

So please leap in to those pockets and splash your cash - every ‘drop’ helps!

ABOUT THE CHARITY:

The aim of Water for Kids is to preserve and protect the good health of people in the developing world by assisting in the provision of safe drinking water, good sanitation and other public health matters. Water for kids is currently involved in projects in Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and India.

ABOUT JUST GIVING:

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

WATER SAVING TIPS:

In the kitchen

·         Fix dripping taps

·         Don’t leave the tap running when rinsing dishes or washing food

·         Fill the kettle only with the water you’ll need

·         Choose water efficient dishwasher and washing machines

In the bathroom

·         Turn off tap when brushing your teeth

·         Take shorter, sharper showers

·         Put a water-saving bag (or brick) in the toilet cistern

·         Fit a flow regulator or aerated shower heads and taps

In the garden

·         Use a watering can, or a bucket and sponge, not a hosepipe

·         Put a water butt in the garden

Others

·         Install a leak detector

·         Insulate water pipes