26 June
Joe Way Paddle for Life
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Newquay charity Paddle to return in June to celebrate what would have been Joe’s 21st Birthday
We are really excited that the Cornwall Air Ambulance are attending the Jo Way Paddle again this year!
Newquay’s Joe Way paddle for life charity event returns after a break of 5 years and is ready to spread some colour and fun across the harbour this summer.
Local boy Joe Way, was born with a rare genetic condition called Angelman’s Syndrome and died on the 7th May 2008 aged 4. He had been labelled a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and survived numerous superbugs. He sadly died of complete organ failure after suffering from SJS for a second time.
In the September after Joe passed away, Newquay lifeguards held the Joe Way memorial paddle, which started the Joe Way Paddle for Life in 2008. After 11 annual ‘Paddles’ and nearly 100 other fundraising events, the team had raised over £180,000 for more than 20 different charities. With Covid holding off the 2020 event and the Way family dealing with another serious family illness, the event has not been revived until now.
Joe’s mum, Claire Way explained: “Joe would have been 21 last September so the daily memories are magnified, and with what everyone has been through the last four years, it feels right to mark this milestone and spread some goodwill across the community”.
Joe’s Dad, Matt, who is a member of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club added: “The last event was so good, we were nervous to go for it again. However the Lions and Surf Lifesaving Cornwall were fully in favor as were previous Paddle supporters as well as new supporters. It’s always been a fun community event and a great way to celebrate Joe’s short but impactful life”.
The first four business sponsors have all stepped forward pledging £500 each, which gets the fundraising pot started with £2,000, Paddle veterans, Start and Co, Pitched Web Design, St Columb Financial Services and Henwood Funeral Directors have all been part of Joe’s story or events over the years and stepped up to support yet again.
The event has all the favorites back with skydivers from Cornwall Skydive who will be flying Joe’s flag and landing on Towan Beach, live music, plus charity and food stands, Titan the Robot, 200 paddlers, the RNLI beach lifeguards memorial paddle, along with a DJ set in Newquay Rowing Club.
The event will take place during the afternoon and evening of Thursday June 26 at Newquay harbour and is organised in partnership with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall with a whole host of local businesses and support from surf clubs and charities.
To see what happens at this year’s Joe Way Paddle for life and get up to date news go to www.joewaypaddle.co.uk
