Circumnavigation of Mainland UK in Kayak
Tuesday 18th June 2024
UK
1921
Circumnavigation of Mainland UK in Kayak
More people die from aortic dissections than on our roads each year. Despite being a life-threatening condition, the majority of acute aortic dissections are treatable when an early diagnosis is achieved. Unfortunately, up to two-thirds of diagnoses are either missed or delayed resulting in preventable deaths.
The patient charity Aortic Dissection Awareness UK and Ireland and Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust support patients and families affected by aortic dissections while also working towards improving diagnosis, increasing survival rates, and reducing disability due to aortic dissection.
My personal connection with these charities is through the experience I had with my Mum. In November 2022 she collapsed at the gym with an acute Type A aortic dissection*. Despite presenting with classical symptoms and medical staff who were aware of her familial history of aortic dissection, this was missed. She was subsequently placed on a trolley in the hallway of an A&E department, only after presenting with a large stroke was her care escalated.
After eventually receiving the correct diagnosis she then awaited an ambulance transfer. For a case of this severity the ambulance transfer service has a target time of 18 minutes. Mum’s took more than two and half hours.
Despite successful surgery for the aortic dissection, a deterioration of the stroke Mum had suffered caused near total death of the right side of her brain. She never woke-up following this surgery but was sustained through life support long enough to be able to donate her liver and kidneys before passing away.
Unfortunately, our traumatic and profoundly sad experience is not something unique for aortic dissection sufferers and their families.
This experience has fuelled the conviction I feel towards this cause, which has led me to undertake a fundraiser of immense proportions. The total distance around mainland UK is roughly 3,200km (around 2,000 miles) which is a comparable distance to the Tour De France. The timescale to break the record stands at 40 days (roughly 80km a day average). Needless to say this is a monumental undertaking, particularly given my kayaking background being in flat-water 200m sprint, but going for this is what I feel my Mum and the cause deserve.
Any contribution you are able to provide, whether it be by raising awareness or contributing financially, however large or small, is greatly appreciated. Your support will help improve the future for families and individuals, that like mine, have been affected by aortic dissection. So, if you are able to give a little, it will help a lot.
Michael Lambert,
x
Follow the journey:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/41002839
https://www.instagram.com/m.r.lambert/
https://www.facebook.com/mlambertkayak/
N.B. I am also raising funds for the RNLI, not because I anticipate having to use them during this fundraiser..! But because I called on their services in March of 2019, when I dislocated my shoulder a couple of kilometres off-shore in high-seas. Fortunately, I made it to shore before requiring rescue, but knowing they are there provides hope during the bleak situations we can encounter when at sea.
*For those who are not familiar with this term, the aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It supplies the whole body with blood. Type A refers to where the tear or dissection is, which in this case is around the arch of the aorta.
£15,336.60
+£2,751.25 Gift Aid
raised of £40,000 target
by 245 supporters
Supporters 245
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M17 hours, 59 minutes
Marthe de Ferrer
Incredible work so far & wishing you all the luck for the rest of the challenge.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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A1 day, 6 hours
András and Lauren
Wishing you an eventful but safe journey Mike. Congratulations on a truly epic effort so far!!
£ 75.00 (+£18.75)
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B2 days, 12 hours
Bella Shepherd-Evans
Well done Mike - Absolutely incredible to hear about all you've achieved so far and good luck with the rest of the journey!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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4 days, 2 hours
Anonymous
Well done Michael. Keep up the good work, and good luck going through the Pentland Firth
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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L4 days, 16 hours
Lara Chapman
You are doing amazing Michael, keep powering through. Much appreciated from an AD survivor xx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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S4 days, 17 hours
Sue Coates
Well done so far. Keep going. Your mum would be so proud. Im following your IG stories every day. From an AD survivor xx
£ 20.00
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5 days, 5 hours
Anonymous
TRUE GRIT MIKE!!! Your mam will be watching over you SO PROUD!!! Take great care in the treacherous Pentland Firth and wish you all the very best!!!
£ 50.00
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E5 days, 18 hours
Emily Mackett
it was the puffins that sealed my donation! well done on the progress so far for such a worthwhile cause, keep paddling!
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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H5 days, 19 hours
Helen Billinghurst
Dear Mike
what a challenge, your Mum would be so proud of you
keep the paddles moving
all the best of luck£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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C6 days, 7 hours
Cathy Barrett
Dear Mike. Your incredible adventure in respect of your love for your mum resonates for all of us who have lost our mums too soon. We are supporting you all The way and wanted to give a boost as you’ve had such a tough time. Cx
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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M1 week
Mala Singh
Well done so far and best of luck for the rest. Inspiring and humbling watching you battle through the elements and make your way round.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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H1 week
Helen and Mike Burton
Lovely to meet you at Port Askaig. We were totally in awe of the challenge you had set for yourself and for such a personal and deserving charity. Keep smiling and keep paddling. We are following your progress on strava.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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B1 week
Brian & Stella Gandy
Best wishes Mike. What you are facing is a far cry from the photo of you at Mytchett Lake, Basingstoke Canal shown on the givewheel web site. An amazing challenge.
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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S1 week
Sally Wilson
Wishing you the absolute best with an amazing challenge Mike. Sally
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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1 week, 3 days
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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m1 week, 4 days
mike ellicock
Hang in there, Mike. Following your progress with much interest as planning on rowing around next year. Super impressed with the monster crossings in particular - glad I have a different nav/gps set up though.! Will get in contact to pick your brains on other things once you're back in the Witterings.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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S1 week, 5 days
Sharon Barrett
You're doing amazing Mike. Keep up the good work, Supporting you all the way. xxx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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1 week, 6 days
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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2 weeks
Anonymous
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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K2 weeks
K Cody
Hugely impressed when we crossed paths a couple of miles south of Falmouth.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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J2 weeks
Jonathan
Good luck with this Michael. It’s a huge undertaking and such an impressive feat. I hope you inspire others as well as raising the money needed. All best, Jonathan
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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G2 weeks, 1 day
Gabby, Sam and Ale
Wishing you the very best on this incredible feat! We look forward to seeing you safely back home.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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C2 weeks, 1 day
Claire Foreman
Caroline was such a special friend, so badly missed. Michael is an amazing man. Keep going Mike xx
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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C2 weeks, 1 day
Community Nurses and Matrons
We miss Caroline everyday- she was an inspiration, advocate for all and such fun! This is an amazing adventure and she would be so proud of you, keeping track of every step. Well done and good luck from all of her colleagues xx
£ 200.00 (+£50.00)
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2 weeks, 1 day
Anonymous
Enjoy your amazing adventure in aid of such good causes.
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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2 weeks, 1 day
Anonymous
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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L2 weeks, 1 day
Louise Cardy
Donating on behalf of our daughters, Georgie, Henni and Izzy, in loving memory of their wonderful father, Brian. Today is Fathers Day, and we miss him very, very much. He died of a Ruptured Aortic Dissection.
£ 1,000.00 (+£250.00)
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B2 weeks, 1 day
Bonham
Wow- what a challenge to take on!
& thank you for raising awareness about this charity in honour of such a lovely lady .£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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T2 weeks, 2 days
The Rodwells
Heck of a challenge. Wishing you all the very best with it.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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J2 weeks, 2 days
Jo Bayliss
Good luck Mike, Your mum was a truly inspirational nurse who always went above and beyond for all her patients. She is missed by so many
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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2 weeks, 3 days
Anonymous
€ 20.00
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2 weeks, 3 days
Anonymous
Best of luck Lammy! What an amazing challenge for an great cause. Truly inspiring. You got this!
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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2 weeks, 4 days
Anonymous
£ 25.00
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C2 weeks, 4 days
Cliff Grover
Amazing challenge, Mike, following you on social media and hoping to catch you at Aberdeen beach.
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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M2 weeks, 5 days
Mark
Amazing challenge. Watching daily updates and wish we'd be able to meet one day.
From an AD survivor
£ 20.00
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B2 weeks, 5 days
Baz, Lex, Colin, Lisa, Jaz and the girls xxxx
Great chat and photo with Mike at the beautiful Kynance Cove!
Good luck with the amazing challenge£ 20.00
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R2 weeks, 5 days
Royal Canoe Club
Good Luck, Lammy, we are all wishing you the best in your marathon quest. Hope the tides and winds are with you all the way!
£ 100.00
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L2 weeks, 6 days
Linda, James, Zoe & Bea
You’re smashing it, Lammy! Wishing you fair winds and following seas.
£ 600.00 (+£150.00)
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3 weeks
Anonymous
£ 5.00
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D
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3 weeks
Anonymous
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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T3 weeks, 1 day
Tim
Hello, I'm a member of the"Think Aorta" group. I had a type A dissection in 2007, had several hours of emergency surgery at Papworth hospital and have worked as a carpenter every since so feel very lucky. Good luck with the challenge I will follow you on Strava.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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S3 weeks, 2 days
Sharon Moorey
Mike mum would be extremely proud of you. She was a real inspiration and is missed by many .
£ 10.00
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C
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G3 weeks, 4 days
Gem
Hi Mike.
Caroline mentored me as a nurse for several years and I have fond memories of her telling me about your kayaking exploits, she would be so proud of your for doing this but secretly terrified. Take care out there, she will be with you all the way. Xx£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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3 weeks, 4 days
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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C3 weeks, 4 days
Carolyn Rugge-Price
You are crazy Mike and very courageous’
Lots and lots of good luck
Best
Carolyn£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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J3 weeks, 4 days
Julie Flowers
With all good wishes, Michael, I am a community matron who worked with your mum, what a brave and incredible tribute this is to her. She was truly an inspiration and is very much missed.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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3 weeks, 5 days
Anonymous
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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L3 weeks, 5 days
Lynsey Fitch
You can totally do this & your mum will be with you cheering you on every step of the way!
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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J3 weeks, 6 days
Jane Baldry
As a previous district nurse colleague of your Mum, I cannot even imagine how terrible a loss it will have been for you and your family. So terribly sad when she always gave above and beyond for all her patients and colleagues.
What an amazing thing to do in memory of her. Wishing you all the luck in the world 🌎£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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C3 weeks, 6 days
Camilla
Well done super physio on making the really long crossing! Keep fuelling and keep going.
£ 50.00
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C4 weeks
Caroline Eatock
What a fantastic thing you're doing! I lost my sister, Yvonne to AD in 2022. Good luck! ❣️
£ 20.00
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A4 weeks
Andy Birch
Good luck Lamby. What a great cause and challenge. Andy from Royal CC
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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J4 weeks
Janette Cutler
Your mum would be so proud of you. I am a friend of Heathers and knew you mum when we were younger. Wishing you the bedding of luck 🤞
£ 10.00
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H4 weeks
Henry Pitt & Family
Good Luck Lamby. An incredible challenge for a fantastic cause. Henry Pitt & Family from Royal CC.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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T4 weeks
Tim & Melissa
Mate so proud of you doing this- great challenge and incredible cause! Good luck and see you along the way
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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H4 weeks
Heather Thomas
You are truly inspirational to do this in memory of your lovely Mum. I am a friend of your Auntie Heather. Best of luck.
£ 20.00
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K4 weeks
Kelly Mills
Best wishes Michael, thank you for your courage and inspiration in raising awareness. Sorry for the loss of your mum. I am sure she will be watching over you so proudly.
In memory of Ree Carnill who passed away August 2023 aged 52 after a misdiagnosis at QMC . Leaves behind three sons 24 23 and 17yrs . We miss him dearly x
£ 10.00
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K4 weeks
Keith Mason
Wishing you all the very best Michael as you take on this incredible challenge, I will be following your progress with much interest. Hope you smash it for such a worthy cause and do stay safe.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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T4 weeks
Tony Larlham
Best wishes Michael on this awesome challenge. Keep safe and well, one day at a time. Thank you for supporting great causes .
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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4 weeks, 1 day
Anonymous
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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M4 weeks, 1 day
Marie
Good luck Mike! Absolutely mammoth effort and will be watching your progress! Legend x
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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T4 weeks, 1 day
Tony Leach
Fantastic what you’re doing Mike. Best of luck … and a fair wind
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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J4 weeks, 1 day
John & Deb
met you at Mupes today 😎 Wishing you the best of luck for this inspirational journey you are taking on in honour of your mum
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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4 weeks, 1 day
Anonymous
All the very best. What you’re doing in the face of both challenge and limited support is very commendable. I hope you smash it.
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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P1 month
Paul Dalton
Mike
Good on you for taking on this challenge
My 29 year old had a stroke last November in Australia is now classified as blind having lost 50% of his sight. His determination and vision forward has allowed him back on the rock faces he loves to climb. Hold your focus during the hard times
There’s lots of unknown people cheering you on
Good Luck
Paul£ 50.00
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S1 month
Simon B
Good luck...a charity close to my heart as a Type A emergency and Type B managed.
What you're doing is fantastic
Good luck.£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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R1 month
Richard Somerset
You’ve come along way from wobbling in K boats on the Basingstoke canal to this epic adventure, Mike, and for a splendid meaningful cause. Good luck and stay dry!
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R1 month
Rupert Crowfoot
In memory of Geoff Flower - one of lifes best taken far too early. Good luck Michael - go well
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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R1 month
Rupert Crowfoot
Woah that's some challenge Michael but for a great cause. Best of luck and hoping the seas are calm for you from Ru & Matt and the whole team at Six Physio
£ 100.00
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L1 month
Lisa Cheyne
Great effort I am a type A survivor appreciate your fundraising. Good luck ☺️
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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K1 month
Katie
Good luck on your amazing journey!
From one of the Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland buddies£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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I1 month
Irene Dowsett
Happy to donate to such a good cause. Remembering Caroline a dear friend
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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T1 month
Tash and Sarah
Go Mike. CHP are fully behind you! What an incredibly brave thing to do. Your family are so proud of you and so are we! It was real honour to see you off this morning. To see the rawness of this task in real time was very moving. A boat, a few waterproof bags, the huge sea and you!!! Well done. Xxx
£ 100.00
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N1 month
Naomi
Truly amazing, Michael and an amazing way to honour your beautiful mum. May you row like the wind. Xxx
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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M1 month
Matt and Emma
Mate this is truly epic! Been amazing following your journey and wish you the best of luck for such a good cause! Go Lammy!!!
From Matt and Emma
£ 150.00 (+£37.50)
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T1 month
Tom and Vicky
We're behind you every step of the way and hope we can do some support along the way, wishing the weather gods to be on your side!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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C1 month
Chris Pinches
God speed Mike. Unbelievable thing you’re doing. All the best of luck and may the tides be with you
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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A1 month
Ali Yeo
For all the mums that are missed. And the ones who will be treated. Go Mike! You will nail it. Your mum would be so proud x
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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H1 month
Hannah
Good luck! What an amazing thing to do in honour of your Mum. We’ll be following your journey 🛶
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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B1 month
Ben Haynes
You’re a brave man for taking on such a challenge mate! I’m sure your mum would be incredibly proud of your for everything you already achieved! Good luck mate!
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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J1 month
James Keeble
Wishing you the best of luck Mike! Very inspiring and looking forward to following your adventure.
£ 50.00
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1 month
Anonymous
Good luck mate! Epic journey! X.
£ 20.00
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C1 month
Carina Parkes
Wishing you all the best. My lovely husband suffered an aortic dissection 18 months ago. It was utterly horrendous. Well done for raising awareness. X
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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E1 month
Elaine Byrne
What a tremendous thing you’re doing! I wish you calm waters and the wind at your back! Very best of luck. X
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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J1 month
Jo Etheridge
Good Luck. What a journey and commitment you have made for great causes so close to all of your families hearts
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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1 month
Anonymous
£ 20.00
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J1 month
James Warren
About a decade ago you laughed at me for doing the DW and you’re doing WHAT???
But…..more importantly you were also very kind and patient and encouraging. You’re one of the good guys.
You got this dude. Seriously. You got this.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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1 month
Anonymous
Enjoy your paddle x
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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J1 month
Judith Flower
Well done for attempting this incredible feat in memory of your mum. She would be so proud of you as is your Auntie Penny 🤩
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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J1 month
Jess and Ollie
This is an amazing challenge Mike. Inspiring athleticism and bravery. Good luck!
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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K1 month
Kath
Just read the BBC article, being local to Walton I thought I'd sponsor. Good luck.
If you have a timetable when passing Hove, family will come and wave you past.£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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1 month
Anonymous
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R1 month
Robin
It will be a wonderful, awesome ,magical journey and you will treasure it forever. Your lovely Mum would and is SO proud of you Wishing you a safe one. Will be with you the whole way
Love Robin & Ally xx -
J1 month, 1 week
Jason Parry
Good luck Mike. Great challenge for an even greater cause.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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1 month, 1 week
Anonymous
Maurice Wolridge
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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T1 month, 1 week
Tim, Phoebe and Jasper
You’re an inspiration and your mum would be so enormously proud of you.
We will see you around the Norfolk coast!£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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1 month, 1 week
Anonymous
£ 150.00
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1 month, 1 week
Bradley Kite
This is so you can work John harder with his physio!
£ 500.00 (+£125.00)
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1 month, 1 week
Anonymous
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Y1 month, 2 weeks
Yacht Havens Limited
Very best of luck - we look forward to following you on your journey!
£ 1,000.00
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N1 month, 3 weeks
Nigel
Brilliant causes and inspiring endeavour - very best of luck.
£ 100.00 (+£25.00)
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M1 month, 3 weeks
Margaret Moore
What an amazing tribute to your Mum, Mike. Very very best of luck for the record.
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I2 months
Issie
Sending you so much love Mike - you've got this! Can't wait to grab a shandy with you after this epic feat
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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2 months
Carl & Alys
Wishing you all the luck and love in the world. Love, Alys Carl and Duncs.
£ 40.00 (+£10.00)
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O2 months
Oliver Ayres
Love what you’re doing! Wishing you the best of luck with the venture!
£ 10.00
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D2 months
Dean, Katherine and Mollie
Good luck Lamby! You’ll smash it! We will do our best to support you along the way and look forward to greeting you in to West Wittering beach with a few cold ones! X x
£ 150.00 (+£37.50)
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2 months
Anonymous
£ 50.00
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L2 months
Lee Maddocks
You’re a legend and inspiration. I hope to join you for a couple of legs bud.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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2 months, 3 weeks
Anonymous
Go Lamby!!!
£ 500.00 (+£125.00)
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M3 months
Mark & Lisa
Great to meet you on Milford beach and hear your inspiring challenge. Wishing you fair winds and many great pub stops around the country :)
£ 50.00
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O3 months
Oli
Your resilience in the face of adversity over the last few years has been inspiring. I'm sure the strength you have built will take you through this next challenge. I wish you the best of luck!
£ 200.00 (+£50.00)
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B3 months
Bob and Kathy
Great challenge for a great cause! Looking forward to following your progress as you go. Best of luck!
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M3 months
Mark Rymell
Famous last words but; can't be harder than teh training youve been doing!!! look forward to following your progress
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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P3 months
Phil B
Lovely to meet you today at Avon Beach, Christchurch, and to hear your story. Good luck with your adventure.
Phil and Sally£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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P3 months, 1 week
Philip Horsnall
Mike
Keep up the hard work and training - wishing you all the best for this most incredible challenge
Rather you than me...
Keep in touch
Philip£ 250.00
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5 months, 1 week
Anonymous
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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L5 months, 2 weeks
Lucy R
Good luck with your goal this year! Look after the hands.
Well done so far£ 10.00
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S5 months, 3 weeks
Sally
Good luck with your challenge for a great cause. I remember your Mum when she was a teenager, I used to visit your Grandparents home as a schoolfriend of your Aunt, who I still see regularly. Happy memories. xx
£ 30.00
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S6 months
Sarah Enani
So so sorry to hear, Mike! What an epic fundraiser, best of luck xx
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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A6 months
Annie & Olly
Great challenge, great cause in memory of Caroline .Hope all goes well x
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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J6 months
Jaz Bagwell
So very sorry to hear about your mum Mike! I look forward to hearing more about your journey, it’s incredible what you’re doing!
£ 10.00 (+£2.50)
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C6 months
Chris Patterson
Sorry for your loss mate 😞 good luck with the journey, an amazing challenge.
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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M6 months
Matthew Hide
Well done Lamby!
Your mum would be extremely proud of you x
You will fly round! Keep up all the hard work you’ve been putting in.£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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C6 months
CATHY BARRETT
Good luck Mike. Amazing challenge to undertake and your mum would be so incredibly proud. X
£ 20.00 (+£5.00)
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M6 months
Matt Welch
That is a lot of 200m efforts! The work you've already put in is incredible, you've got this x
£ 30.00 (+£7.50)
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P6 months
Peter G
An awesome challenge for an amazing cause, make sure you enjoy the journey.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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T6 months
Tom & Martha
Good luck Lamby , your challenge will highlight the great need.
£ 50.00 (+£12.50)
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