Paddling from the heart of Chelmsford to Heybridge Basin near Maldon, not only did they cover 22km, they also had to portage 10 locks, with a break at Papermill Lock. This year, the challenge was to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society: United against dementia. The group took just over four hours to complete the challenge, and have so far raised over £4000 which is well on their way to reaching their target of £5000.

“As I am one of the instructors at SUPsect Paddle boarding Club, we decided to do the challenge on the 22ft long Red Paddle Dragon Board. This was great flying down the River Chelmer with three of us paddling in sync but not so great getting it out of the water and walking it to the next lock, due to its massive 34inch width. The larger board did enable us to help out others when they got caught up in river weeds or had to persuade swans from climbing on the back of the boards! Thank you to everyone who sponsored the challenge this year.”

No stranger to his paddleboard, Trevor has also previously volunteered alongside other members of the paddleboarding club to remove plastic waste from the River Chelmer.