Newquay boy honoured with ocean legacy tribute

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 14:05

A Newquay boy who died aged four from complications linked to a rare illness has been honoured by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

Joe Way’s name has been added to the “Sentinels of the Sea” plaque at the charity’s headquarters in St Agnes - a tribute to individuals whose legacy helps protect the ocean for future generations.

Joe was born with Angelman’s Syndrome and died on 7 May 2008 after suffering a second episode of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare and potentially fatal skin reaction. He had previously been described as a “miracle boy” after surviving meningitis, SJS, and a number of superbugs during his early life.

In the months following his death, Newquay lifeguards held the first Joe Way Memorial Paddle. That event marked the start of the Joe Way Paddle for Life, which went on to raise more than £180,000 across 11 annual paddles and nearly 100 other fundraising events, supporting over 20 different charities.

After a break of nearly six years due to Covid, the Paddle for Life returns on Thursday 26 June.

Joe’s mother, Claire, said:
“Joe loved water and the ocean, and Surfers Against Sewage has been a charity we’ve supported since the first paddle in 2008. It was a real eye-opener to see the commitment and scale of the charity’s work - it got us excited to get more involved.”

Hugh Elworthy, Community Fundraising Coordinator at SAS, said:
“It was a true honour to welcome the Way family to our headquarters and share the moment of unveiling Joe’s name on the Sentinels of the Sea plaque. This tribute means so much to all of us at SAS, as it reflects the very heart of why the plaque was created - to honour those who love our waterways and to ensure their legacy lives on through the generations.”

This year’s event will feature many of the favourites from previous paddles, including a skydive from Cornwall Skydive with jumpers flying Joe’s flag and landing on Towan Beach, live music from Lee Quinney Sings, Oll an Gwella, Amplify Southwest DJs, and the RNLI beach lifeguards memorial paddle. Around 400 paddlers are expected to take part, alongside charity and food stalls.

Radio Newquay will be broadcasting live from the event.

A prize draw in support of the Paddle for Life includes tickets to the SAS Summer Ball in July, signed surf prints, and a guitar signed by singer James Morrison. The Way family are encouraging people to share the draw link on social media to help celebrate what would have been Joe’s 21st birthday last September and raise money for local causes.

To enter the draw click here.