Joe Way Paddle raises more than £5,300 for Cornish charities

The event, held at Newquay Harbour in June, was the first since the Covid pandemic and family illness led to a five-year break.

Organisers said donations were still coming in following the fundraiser, which supports a range of local charities.

The paddle was first established in memory of toddler Joe Way, who died in 2008 from complications of a rare genetic illness. Since then, his parents, Matt and Claire Way, have raised more than £187,000 for over 20 charities through the annual event.

This year’s programme included paddle races, live music, charity stalls, and displays from skydivers and the Cornwall Air Ambulance. The relay race was won by Newquay Surf Life Saving Club, while the RNLI race was described by organisers as one of the most competitive yet. Awards included Inspirational Paddler, which went to Alfie Coleman-Smith, and Highest Fundraiser, given to Sam for organising an online draw.

This year’s Joe Way Paddle distributed more than £5,300 to a range of charities and organisations. Beneficiaries included Newquay, Lusty, and Cornwall Surf Life Saving clubs, which each received £500, while Children’s Hospice Southwest, The Wave Project, Surfers Against Sewage, Penhaligon’s Friends, and Cornwall Air Ambulance were each awarded £600. Other donations included £250 for Watergate Surf Life Saving Club and Ronald McDonald House Bristol, £180 for Guts Stoma Charity, and £100 each for Amplify SW DJ for Kids and Purple Angels.

The event was organised in partnership with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall. Organisers said the paddle had become a key part of community fundraising and a lasting legacy for Joe Way.

More details and photos from the event are available at www.joewaypaddle.co.uk

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