Singer James Morrison donates signed guitar to Joe Way Paddle For Life raffle

Singer-songwriter James Morrison has donated a signed guitar to this year’s Joe Way Paddle for Life fundraiser in Newquay.

The Joe Way Paddle for Life will take place at Newquay Harbour on Thursday 18 June.

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 launching, Paddle for Life has raised money for more than 20 local and regional charities, supporting children, families and lifesaving services across Cornwall.

The water-based event involves local surf lifesaving clubs, RNLI lifeguards and paddlers of all ages and abilities. It is also supported by a harbour-side programme of live music, food, charity stalls and family entertainment.

The event has become a regular feature of Newquay’s events calendar and organisers are encouraging businesses and groups to get involved in this year’s raffle fundraising efforts.

They say raffle prizes already confirmed are worth more than £2,000 and include a signed guitar from James Morrison, a £500 YETI Roadie Cooler, signed surf artwork from surfers Ben Skinner and Lucas Skinner, original Newquay Harbour artwork by Doug Hinge, and family adventure vouchers.

The raffle offers surf life saving clubs the chance to raise additional money for equipment, training and youth development while supporting the legacy of Joe Way and creating “friendly competition” between clubs to see who can sell the most tickets.

Organisers add: “If your club would like to get involved, promote ticket sales, or discuss ways we can support your fundraising efforts alongside the event, please get in touch.” You can find out more about the raffle here.

Matt Way (centre) and the team at Pitched

Organisers have also thanked Cornwall-based creative company Pitched for its continued support of the event.

Ian Chambers, co-director of Pitched, originally created Joe Way’s first website in 2008 following Joe’s death. Organisers say the original website remains live in its original form, continuing to tell Joe’s story.

Nearly five years later, a second website dedicated to the Joe Way Paddle for Life, along with the now well-known paddle logo and branding, was created by Scott Dickinson to help the event continue to grow.

This year, Pitched has returned as an official sponsor of the Joe Way Paddle for Life, donating £500 for the second consecutive year.