Beginner paddleboarder takes on marathon challenge for Northamptonshire charity helping families of seriously ill children
A fundraiser is calling on people to take part in a marathon paddleboarding challenge to raise money for Northamptonshire-based charity Harry's Pals, which supports families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
Aron Pearson, who only learned to paddleboard a few months ago, has launched Paddle with Purpose, a community fundraising event at Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire on September 20, where he will attempt to complete a gruelling 26-mile stand-up paddleboard marathon.
The event will raise money for Northamptonshire-based Harry's Pals, which provides counselling, therapy, peer support groups, webinars and family respite opportunities for parents following the diagnosis that their child has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. The charity says demand for its services continues to grow as more families seek support.
Rather than taking on the challenge alone, Aron has teamed up with Debbie from 1-2-1 SUP and the team at Rudyard Lake to create a community event that encourages others to paddle alongside him while raising funds for the charity.
Participants can choose between a full 26-mile marathon, a 13-mile half marathon or a team marathon, with groups of up to four people sharing the full distance. Organisers expect up to 50 participants, with safety crews and marshals supporting the event throughout the day.
Despite only taking up paddleboarding this year, Aron has already completed paddles of around 11.5 miles and is continuing to train ahead of what will be the biggest sporting challenge of his life.
Aron said: "I wanted to do something that would really challenge me while helping families who face challenges every single day.
"The exciting part is that this isn't just about me anymore. Paddle with Purpose is an opportunity for anyone to get involved, challenge themselves and make a real difference for families who desperately need support."
Hayley Charlesworth, chief executive of Harry's Pals, said: "What Aron has created is so much more than a fundraising challenge. He's giving people the opportunity to come together, push themselves out of their comfort zones and directly support families who are facing unimaginable circumstances."
She added that the charity is encouraging individuals, families, community groups and businesses to sign up, sponsor a participant or support the event.