A bunch of us are all paddling the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race to raise money for Sarcoma UK in memory of our friend and fellow canoeist James Smythe who we lost to sarcoma in 2022.

On the 8th of April I am paring up with Dan Palmer and we will set off on a non-stop 125-mile canoe race from Devizes in Wiltshire to Westminster Bridge paddling all through the night. The “DW” race is known as the paddler’s Everest, an ultra-endurance race which attracts top athletes from around the world to take it on. The race has captured the hearts of many over its 70+ years and none other than our dear friend James, who was not only passionate about the race but was also an excellent DW athlete with multiple trophies bearing his name. On Easter Monday 2022, James took his last breath having waited just long enough to see the conclusion of the DW 2022. So it seems only fitting to remember and honour him by taking up the challenge ourselves this year.  

James was an inspirational canoeing legend, a decorated international athlete and a team manager. He gave so much to the sport that it was only fitting that we give something back. Knowing how much DW meant to him we want to make him proud by paddling in his memory and raising money and awareness for Sarcoma UK. He will be with us throughout the race pushing us through when it gets tough. We will draw from the extraordinary courage, resilience, tenacity and optimism he showed throughout his illness. He approached his cancer like he did his paddling and managed to beat it before it came back with a vengeance. In his own words “I know we hope we can beat cancer just by fighting it. Sometimes this is true. Other times it comes back with a better plan and wins. As in life you have to try but not feel a failure for not having won.” We are so lucky to have shared his too short but amazing life and his legacy will live on. “You will forever paddle beside us whenever we push away from the bank”

Thank you so much for your support

Here is some more information about the important work of Sarcoma UK: a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissue. It is difficult to diagnose and one of the hardest to treat. By supporting us, we can help change this. Your donation will help researchers find answers, keep our Support Line open, and raise awareness to improve treatment and standards of care.