News

Duo complete 26 mile canoe marathon challenge

37 year old, Duncan Sluce and his brother-in-law, Steve Beasley age 34 from Hinckley, in Leicestershire, recently canoed for a staggering 26 miles down the Ashby Canal to raise money for the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

The pair decided to fundraise for Sheffield Hospitals Charity and donate the money to the hospital where Steve received treatment for a brain haemorrhage after heading a ball during a game of football when he was 15.

“I just wanted to do something for the hospital where I received my treatment after my brain haemorrhage. I was so lucky. I could have died as there are only four hospitals in the country which specialise in the treatment I needed. It inspired me to do more for others. With it also being the Olympic year it really motivated me to do it.” Steve commented.

During the weeks leading up to the event, Duncan and Steve completed several practice runs on the proposed route, covering distances of between eight and 15 miles.

On the day of the event, it remained sunny, but high winds on their return journey challenged their paddling skills and overall strength. But the duo persevered and successfully completed the trip in just over ten hours, making it back to the marina in Hinckley for a well deserved rest, before it became dark.

Duncan said: “It was pretty hard work as neither of us regularly go out canoeing, but on the day it was nice to be out in the open country side. It’s really peaceful being out on the water and away from the general intensity of daily life. We were aching afterwards, but had a great time.”

Over £2000 was raised which includes £400 from National Grid, where Duncan works as a Senior Energy Analyst. The money is being donated to Sheffield Hospitals Charity and will be used to support research into brain injuries and other related conditions.