Joe Way Paddle for Life to return to Newquay this summer

Thursday, 22 January 2026 14:53

The event was set up in memory of 4 year old Joe Way

A popular community fundraising event will return to Newquay this summer, having raised more than £185,000 for charity over the past 18 years.

The Joe Way Paddle for Life will take place on Thursday 18 June at Newquay Harbour. The event was founded in memory of four-year-old Joe Way, who died in 2008 after living with a rare genetic condition and serious illness.

Since its launch, Paddle for Life has raised funds for more than 20 local and regional charities, supporting children, families and lifesaving services across Cornwall.

The event is water-based and involves local surf lifesaving clubs, RNLI lifeguards and paddlers of all ages and abilities. It is supported by a harbour-side programme including live music, food, charity stalls and family-friendly entertainment, and has become a regular feature of Newquay’s events calendar.

Joe’s parents, Matt and Claire Way, continue to organise the event alongside Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall, with support from volunteers and local businesses.

Organisers are now inviting local businesses to come forward as £500 sponsors for the 2026 event. Sponsorship helps cover delivery costs and maximises the amount of money raised for charity. St Columb Financial Services has already confirmed its support for next year.

Matt Way said the event continues to bring people together and reflects the strength of the local community.

The Paddle for Life will run from 3pm into the evening on Thursday 18 June. Further details, including entertainment announcements and ways to get involved, are expected to be released in the coming weeks- follow the latest here.

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Growing opposition to Cornwall’s streets going dark after midnight

Cornwall Council has been asked to hold a “county level vote” on its decision to turn streetlights off across the Duchy between midnight and 5am.
Newquay family launches £50,000 appeal to adapt home for four-year-old Jude

A Newquay family is hoping to raise £50,000 to adapt its home for a four-year-old boy living with a rare progressive muscle degeneration condition.
Free community fete to be held in Treloggan

A free community fete featuring local stalls, family activities and live music is being held in Treloggan this September.
St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally promises three days of family entertainment

Steam engines, vintage vehicles, live music and family activities will be among the attractions at this year's St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally.
Newquay world record surfing attempt postponed

An attempt to break the world record for the most surfers riding a single wave in Newquay has been postponed until the October half-term.
Campaigners fear Glendorgal could change before rights inquiry concludes

An application concerning access to the path around Glendorgal Headland will be the next to be allocated to a case officer, Cornwall Council has said.
‘Wind your necks in’ councillors told over Reform UK resignations

It’s been an increasingly regular agenda item at Cornwall Council meetings – the allocation of seats on committees having to be re-decided after councillors jump ship from one political group to another.
Charity relay to celebrate Newquay coach’s 20 years of helping runners

A one-mile relay race will raise money for local charities while celebrating a Newquay coach who has spent 20 years helping people of all abilities take up running.
Price hat-trick leads Newquay sporting weekend

Louis Price scored a perfect hat-trick as Newquay AFC reached the next round of the FA Vase, while there were also wins for Newquay Reserves and St Columb Major, a team podium for Newquay Running Club's runners and success at Newquay Golf Club’s RNLI fundraisers.
Record 150 teams compete in Crantock Bale Push

A record 150 teams took part in the 26th Crantock Bale Push, with competitors travelling from as far as Italy and Scotland.
Controversial seafront development is now ‘undeliverable’

A huge development on Newquay seafront has been abandoned as “undeliverable”, meaning an old hotel will now be demolished with no promise that anything will replace it.
Disposable barbecues could be banned on beaches

Cornwall Council is considering a ban on the use of disposable barbecues on beaches following this summer’s spate of wildfires.
Newquay theatre production to honour late actress Penelope Keith

The Director of a new production at Newquay's Lane Theatre say she wants to perform the show in honour of the late actress Penelope Keith.
Cornwall needs a ‘fairer, honest’ housing waiting list

Cornwall Council members will be asked next week to support a fairer, clearer and honest housing waiting list to give applicants “the truth about their situation” within a system that is currently “opaque and difficult to navigate”.
New plans could pave way for demolition of derelict Narrowcliff buildings

Plans for a temporary use of the stalled Narrowcliff development in Newquay are set to be presented to senior planning officers, in a move which could allow the derelict buildings to be demolished.
Help find a cat a home

RSPCA Cornwall says it urgently needs to find homes for cats and kittens after being inundated with animals needing its help.
Free hedgehog talks offered to youth groups in Newquay area

Youth groups in and around Newquay are being offered free educational sessions about hedgehogs and wildlife conservation.
Earthwave organisers urge Newquay to get behind surfing world record attempt

Audio

Organisers of a surfing world record attempt in Newquay say they want as many people as possible to get involved when the event takes place later this month.
Newquay AFC continue strong start as national surfing titles decided at Watergate Bay

Newquay AFC and their reserves have both recorded victories, while St Newlyn East staged a cup comeback and some of England's leading surfers battled for national titles at Watergate Bay.
Double title for Reggie Roynon as national surfing champions crowned at Watergate Bay

National surfing champions have been crowned after a day of challenging conditions at Watergate Bay.

Now Playing

Joe Way Paddle for Life to return to Newquay this summer

Share

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Now Playing