Last Thursday saw groups from the sporting and charity communities join together on Porth Beach to receive their share of over £8,000 which was raised through this year’s Joe Way Paddle for Life.
Organised and run by the father and mother of Joe Way, Lion Matt and Claire, in conjunction with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions and Cornwall Surf Lifesaving Club, 2019 saw the twelfth paddle, a competition involving local surf lifesaving clubs and members of the RNLI and lifeguards, take place at Newquay Harbour. Joe, who passed away in 2008 had been described as a miracle child having fought off so many life-threatening illnesses in his short four years before succumbing to Steven Johnson Syndrome for the second time.
Funds at the paddle were raised through entry fees, a charity raffle, stalls and sponsorship from Start and Co Estate Agents, Biffa and Howdens. Other groups assisting included Newquay Surf Life Saving, Lusty Surf Life Saving, Perran Signs, P&J Print, The Garage Co, Hutton hire, Southwest Hire, Skinners Ales, The Rowing Club, Bookers of Newquay, Truro Lions, Millstone Sound, Beach safety team, Frontline security, Purple gecko events, in safe hands, Newquay Activity Centre, Newquay Harbour Sports, Harbour Master, Coastal Crepes, Newquay fisherman, Skindog surfboards, Howdens, Landal Gwel an Mor, Radio Newquay, Checkered Photography, Light Colour Sound and artist, Doug Hinge. Cornwall Skydive members had started the event with a spectacular landing on Towan Beach. The Prize draw consisted of singer song writer James Morrisons signed guitar, a holiday at award winning resort Landal Gwel an Mor in Portreath, Skinners brewery tour, indo Board and lots more. The burger van operated by Truro Lions with some of the food donated by Bookers in Newquay, Coastal Crepes, Skinners Brewery and the Newquay rowing club all helped to raise money to get the charity event over the £160k mark this year. Music was provided through a great musical sunset session and this year’s line-up consisted of The Steelers, Blues Brothers on the run, Matthew Penhaligan, Sammy Jonas and Porky had a great set in the Rowing Club. Dean Woods and Nick Williams provided the commentary.
The groups which benefited from the day included a number of surf lifesaving clubs – Lusty, Newquay, Wave Slaves, Hayle and Cornwall with the following local and regional causes, close to the heart of Matt and Claire also receiving donations: Cornwall Air Ambulance, Children’s Hospice SW, Purple Angels, DISC, Cornwall Blood Bikes, Chrissie’s Sunshine Appeal, Ronald McDonald House, Bowel Cancer West, Soul Food Kitchen and Newquay Marine Group.