They have been canoeing and kayaking from Devizes to Westminster over the Easter weekend for the past sixty years and more – first as a local challenge to test how much of the Kennet and Avon Canal was open, and eventually, after the canal’s successful renovation, as a properly organized race.
And they eventually allowed women to compete and juniors – with three mandatory overnight stops.
This year two Marlborough College students Monty Eayrs (16 from Marlborough) and Jago Reeves (17 from Northleach) have entered the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. They are facing the once-in-a-lifetime challenge to raise funds for the national children’s charity Starlight.
The race, which is known as one of the more testing charity challenges, is expected to take the two teenagers four days setting off on Friday, April 18.
The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal, followed by 53 miles on the Thames to Teddington. Then on the last day the two students will paddle along the final 17 miles of the tidal portion of the Thames.
It is not just plain paddling: there are 77 portages along the course – that is when you get off the water and carry your canoe or kayak round a weir or lock.
Starlight is a national charity that grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across Britain. Starlight was co-founded by actress Emma Samms and Monty and Jago chose to support the charity as they are friends with Emma’s daughter and were inspired when they heard about Starlight’s work.
In Monty’s words: “It’s an excellent cause and we really appreciate the work the charity does for children. We both felt we wanted to support a charity for children as the thought of a child with a terminal or serious illness, and the effects it has on their lives is heartbreaking.”
The pair have been training for the challenge since September fitting in their programme amid their busy school lives. They have been out on the water in all weathers and have been taking part in training races at weekends.
Jago explained how they have kept on keeping on: “Training has been hard, and we have struggled at times. However, the thought of being able to provide happiness to seriously and terminally ill children will ensure that we accomplish this grueling challenge.”
You can sponsor Monty and Jago by visiting their Just Giving webpage.
And you can cheer them on as they pass Pewsey wharf or Wootton Rivers’ bridges on Good Friday morning.
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