A Helston-based accountant is raising money for several military charities in 'kayakathon.'
Tom Tripp, Director of Helston-based Atkins Ferrie Chartered Accountants, is to kayak 21 miles along the River Thames, against the tide, to raise much-needed funds for the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) and Special Boat Service Association (SBSA) on Sunday June 13.
This 'kayakathon' is being organised by the RMA, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, marking the foundation of one of its predecessor organisations, the Royal Marines Association, in 1946.
The Royal Marines are the Royal Navy’s amphibious force, held on high alert for worldwide rapid response to neutralise threats.
The Special Boat Service is the Royal Navy’s answer to the SAS, and its focus is on maritime counter-terrorism.
The charities that support them – the RMA and the SBSA – provide assistance and advice to both serving and veteran Royal Marines and their families, whether to assist their transition to civilian employment after active service or to provide relief to those who are in need by virtue of financial hardship, injury or sickness.
Tom said: "As a proud supporter of the RMA, I have enjoyed taking part in many fundraisers over the years, but this is the first time I have undertaken a waterborne challenge.
"I haven’t been anywhere near a kayak for 30+ years so, of course, I jumped at the chance to join in!
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"The demand for resources from both the RMA and SBSA is ever-growing and it is important that we do what we can to ensure there is adequate funding to meet their needs today and tomorrow. "The sacrifices made by both serving and veteran service men and women cannot be underestimated so kayaking 21 miles against the tide seems like a small price to pay in comparison."
This kayaking endeavour is but the latest that Tom is embarking on.
In 2019, he was part of a group that took four recovering Royal Marines to Morocco and climbed to the summit of Mount Toubkal, at 14,000 feet, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains.
Future planned expeditions include climbing in Slovenia later this year and ascending Mount Ararat, at 18,000 feet, in 2022.
The fundraising event commemorates the bravery of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedom that we enjoy today.
It also provides an opportunity to kayak alongside serving and former Royal Marines, and SBSA members through the heart of the City of London whilst taking in the naval and marine history of the capital.
Novice paddlers will be paired with experienced participants in tandem kayaks and a minimum fundraising target of £500 per person has been set.
Registration fees include kayak hire and the provision of safety ribs, insurance, guides and refreshments, so every penny raised goes direct to the charities involved.
To make a donation to Tom’s kayaking challenge, visit https://ukvirginmoneygiving.com/TomTripp
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