About

After retiring from the Fire Service last year and before hopefully soon starting my new chapter as a driving instructor, I decided I would set myself a challenge, and in doing so also try and raise money for good causes. I was undecided whether to do a bike, walk or paddleboard challenge, and in the end decided to link all three! I also wanted to do my challenge unsupported ( apart from changeover of equipment at the transitions ), carrying my equipment for each section, and camping where possible. My ‘Don’t Give Up’ challenge is Cycling Coast to Coast from Skegness to Aberdovey ( about 250 mile ) Paddleboarding the River Severn from Source to Sea ( I will walk to the source above Hafren Forest and will then need to walk/ bike the route of the first stretch of the River Severn from the Source as it is unnavigable in the upper section. I will be actually paddling from Pool Quay to the estuary). River Severn length 242 miles Walking the Offas Dyke Path route from Sedbury cliffs on the South Wales coast to Prestatyn on the North Wales Coast. Distance 177 miles As well as a challenge to myself ( even more of a challenge as I have done very little training!! ), I wanted to try and raise awareness and hopefully some money for three charities. My hope is that all three great charities will benefit from my challenge. The charities and the reasons I have chosen these; The Harry Johnson Trust. Samaritans of Shrewsbury. The Lee Bonsall Memorial Fund. Two are linked to mental health issues, the other being this charity which I have always said that at some point I would try and raise money for this great cause after Harry, who was a Beaver in the Scout Group I help out with sadly passed away in 2014. Please feel free to visit my Challenge webpage at: www.ians-dontgiveup-challenge.co.uk