Local entrepreneur aims to paddle from the source of the Thames to the sea in support of mental health charities, sponsored by Mid-Sussex Timber.
Entrepreneur Ben Kilner, set himself the ambitious challenge of using only donated materials and paddle power to travel from the navigable source of the Thames, on the edge of the Cotswolds, to its outlet into the North Sea. The aim of the initiative is to raise funds and awareness for two mental health charities The Lucy Rayner Foundation and StrongMen as part of the ‘Get Up Give Back’ fundraising collective.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted a mental health crisis in the UK and as a cause close to Ben’s heart, he hopes his fundraising efforts will help provide care for people in their time of need. The Get Up Give Back fundraising collective aims to raise a staggering £150,000 this year.
Mid-Sussex Timber were approached by Ben who requested two sheets of plywood to transform into a canoe. Family business Mid Sussex Timber – which has spent over 90 years supplying quality timber and building materials throughout the Sussex area - were very happy to contribute the plywood Ben needed to help bring his vision to life. The finished canoe has been affectionately named ‘Jamima Paddle-Duck’ due to its innovative method of propulsion, using pedals to power the paddles. Tiffany Waters, at Mid-Sussex Timber said “when Ben approached us we were delighted to be able to help. He is fundraising for some fantastic charities, and we are proud to support him.”
So far Jamima and Ben have travelled 150 miles from the navigable source near Cricklade to Putney in London and patiently await a safety boat and sign-off from the Port of London Authority to safeguard their passage through the busiest part of the Thames.
Tiffany Waters continues “this project highlights that your imagination really is the only limit. We wish Ben well and look forward to him completing his journey.”
To donate and follow Ben’s source to sea adventure visit benkilner.com. To speak to the Mid-Sussex Timber team about how to bring your own dream to life, visit www.mstc.co.uk.