Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The Devizes Westminster Canoe Race - an event not for the faint hearted - so what better target to set after a double heart bypass the year before. Thanks to a pre-emptive checkup courtesy of the Heartsure Clinic in Kingstone and a very, very early diagnosis from Tom and the team I am around to give this epic challenge a go!

But, just to make it a little more testing and befitting of a former Royal Marine (those that know me I don’t like to mention this fact!) I will be partnered for the event by a Royal Marines Legend (we will call him “Secret P” or perhaps “not so Secret P”)

This will be a FUN paddle of 125 miles over Easter weekend that includes over 70 locks to navigate carrying a two man Klepper Canoe weighing in at over 70lbs (70 seems to be the magic number).

As a team we have been extremely lucky to have the amazing Sheppy’s Cider Company based just outside of Taunton supporting us, now those that know will be aware that Sheppy’s Cider is the tipple of choice for the Royal Marines and has been helping us make ‘informed and sensible’ choices for over 200 years.

The team at Sheppy’s have recently launched a range of cider called “Hoofing” and for each pint sold the company are donating cash to the Royal Marines Association. For those that don’t know the term “Hoofing” is part of the Royal Marines vernacular and means all things “brilliant” so if I was to say “Sheppy’s” is hoofing you would get my drift.

We will also be supported by Tom and Heartsure for the event and as a plug for the company if you have any concerns about your heart health do get checked out, they are professional and really approachable and will be happy to discuss any worries no matter how small they may be.

Also a big shout out to Hannah Kremer the owner (and quite possibly a Royal marine PTI Colour Sargent in a previous incarnation) of “the Long Game” gym for producing training plans and delivering a brutal “side eye” when I am loafing or really not doing things correctly.

Pete and I are also raising funds for the Royal Marines Association (RMA) so I will include a Just Fund link at the end of this message.

I will be unashamedly updating you all with our progress on the water over the next few months (although much of our preparation has been indoors due to the unworkable water conditions) but from next week wet training will commence … of course “wets” (or drinkies) will be provided as part of the hydration plan developed by the guys at Sheppy’s.

So everyone please if you can contribute to our cause and challenge financially to support the work of the RMA no matter how little every bit helps.

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity exists to help the entire Royal Marines family. Offering a range of services to both serving, veterans and their families.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.