Kayak race in back garden raises money for charity

George Carney rigged up a low-tech kayak paddling trainer in his back garden and decided to undertake a non-stop 24 hour challenge - Devize to Westminister style.

He said: "The DW normally takes place over Easter weekend. It is a non-stop 125 mile, kayak race with 76 portages, where you run with your kayak around the 76 locks en-route.

"Instead of portages, I completed one to two minutes of squats or a jog on the spot and also used the time to take on water and food. Instead of the usual half hour stop at Reading for a change of clothes and hot food I took 20 minutes to put on an extra layer and eat something hot."

George raised money for charity Crisis, which helps the homeless. He set a target of £1000 but managed to raised £1841.16 or £2271.41 with Gift Aid.

He said: "It went really well, I was ably supported by my partner and daughter. My 11 year old set up a live Instagram feed for the event which worked a treat and allowed me to receive a range of ‘motivational’ comments from family, friends and colleagues past and present.

"Some friends have since said they miss the live feed as it was better than watching the Osbornes."

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