- 108 miles
- 5 counties
- A whole host of amazing volunteers
- 1 mission – to raise vital funds for Power2Inspire!
With support from British Canoeing and months in the planning, our Founder and Chief Ambassador, John Willis, recently embarked on an epic 108-mile paddle, across 8 days, from Cricklade to Eton.
John, born without fully formed arms and legs, paddled through the stunning settings of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxford with the help of a host of volunteers. From World Champion rowers, to complete novices, our fantastic volunteers joined John in his kayak for various stints of the journey, each one of them raising funds for the charity.
John’s challenge formed part of our wider ‘108 Challenge’ campaign, where we have been asking schools, businesses and the community to take part in a 108 Challenge of their own to help raise funds for our charity. From baking 108 cakes, swimming 108 lengths or running for 108 minutes – our inclusive campaign encourages you do something great, reach 108… and donate!
We are SO grateful for all the fundraising that is still going on with the 108 Challenge. Your donations make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” THANK YOU!
If you’d like to donate NOW to the 108 Challenge click through to JustGiving by pressing the button here:
“When I was a child my mother used to inspire me by telling me ‘I can do anything’. I’ve adapted this and my mantra has become ‘I can’t do it… yet’. This is something that has always driven me to take on challenges some may feel are impossible. I didn’t have role models when I was young, so I’m keen to make sure that I inspire others to believe anything is possible.
“It was an absolutely incredible experience to celebrate our charity’s 10th anniversary by paddling 108 miles across the country using an adapted paddle.
“I’d like to thank our wonderful volunteers who helped me on the journey and kept my spirits high until the very end.
“I was joined by some wonderful people, including flotillas from various canoe and paddling clubs across the route – their support was immeasurable.
“I can’t say it was an easy challenge – far from it. There were sections where I wasn’t sure I could physically continue – but with our wonderful volunteers boosting my morale – I made it, and I’m extremely proud.
“Not only are we aiming to raise vital funds to ensure we can continue to deliver inclusive and accessible sports events across the country, we’re also hoping to raise awareness of inclusion in sport.
“I set up Power2Inspire 10 years ago because when I was a child I was excluded from sport. I’ve made it my mission ever since to ensure no-one, no matter their ability, age, ethnicity, gender or race, is left on the bench like I was.
“Your donations will help us to continue inspiring people across the country to access inclusive sport.”
John Willis, Founder and Chief Ambassador
“It’s a privilege to be able to celebrate ten years of Power2Inspire. We’re extremely passionate about providing everyone with the opportunity of playing sport – and John is an inspiration to us all.
“We’re extremely proud of John and his commitment to our 108 Challenge – as well as our fantastic volunteers. Without them, the work we do just wouldn’t be possible.
“The 108 Challenge is a great way to raise money for our charity – there is nothing you can’t do!
“Your involvement and donations will allow us to continue providing sporting opportunity for all.”
There is still plenty of time to help us reach our fundraising target by donating to John’s challenge – or if you’re feeling inspired, take part in your own 108 Challenge!
Alex Laybourne, Chief, Executive Officer
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
We are SO grateful for all the fundraising that is going on with the 108 Challenge. Your donations make a MASSIVE difference to people’s lives through Power2Inspire’s vision to ensure “no one is left on the bench!” THANK YOU!
If you’d like to donate NOW to the 108 Challenge click through to JustGiving by pressing the button here:
