A Helston-based accountant has completed a 'kayakathon' fundraiser - raising money for several military charities.
Tom Tripp, a director at Atkins Ferrie Chartered Accountants, based in Helston – kayaked 21 miles along the River Thames, against the tide, on Sunday June 13, to raise much-needed funds for the Royal Marines Charity (RMA) and Special Boat Service Association (SBSA).
Organised by the RMA, the total raised was close to £20k at the time of writing.
A previous recipient of an award from Lord Mountbatten for his support of The Royal Marines, this is the latest but not the last endeavour that Tom is embarking upon.
Future planned expeditions include climbing in Slovenia later this year and ascending Mount Ararat, at 18,000 feet, in 2022.
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Tom said: "Following a safety briefing and catching up with people I hadn’t seen for a while over a bacon roll, we started out past the Cutty Sark in lovely, still conditions before turning into the tide and heading for the heart of the City of London.
"Pleasure boats and water taxis seemed to relish making as many waves as possible for us and it was great seeing the sights from the water line.
"Following a good lunch, the return journey was even more choppy than the paddle out, but the 40 of us taking part were buoyed up by the cheers and whistles from the banks, and a small contingent of Royal Marines that had gathered on the bridges.
"Kayaking past HMS Belfast, it was wonderful to see Tower Bridge open up for us in salute as we headed back for a well-earned beer or two!"
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 equivalent of the SAS, and its focus is on maritime counter-terrorism.
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The charities that support the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service – 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 continued: "Royal Marines and Special Boat Services personnel are renowned for their expertise in the use of military kayaks and this unique fundraising event commemorated the bravery of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the freedom that we enjoy today.
"The demand for resources from both the RMA and SBSA is ever-growing and I was pleased to be able to take part in raising much-needed funds to support both serving and veteran service men and women."
If you would like to make a donation to Tom’s kayaking challenge, please visit: ukvirginmoneygiving.com/TomTripp
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