Sudbury to the Sea canoe challenge sees amputees raise more than £10,000 for Steel Bones charity

More than £10,000 has been raised to support amputees and their families, after a team completed a gruelling journey from Sudbury to the sea.

A total of 23 fund-raisers travelled more than 20 miles along the River Stour, from Sudbury to Cattawade, last Saturday as part of the Steel Bones Canoe Challenge.

Led by members of the Sudbury and Colchester canoe clubs, aided by the River Stour Trust, the Steel Bones participants were single or double-leg amputees.

They included Danny Smith, who had two amputations due to infections, and 14-year-old Scarlett Walker, whose right leg was amputated after a serious illness.

The pair had engaged in friendly competition to be the top fund-raiser for Steel Bones, a charity based in Bury St Edmunds, with Scarlett the eventual winner.

Charity trustee Gary Hawksworth, an amputee himself, said: “The event was a great success, with 23 participants completing the challenging journey along the river.

“One of the highlights was the friendly competition between Danny and Scarlett, both of whom have been neck-and-neck in their fund-raising, making the battle for the top spot especially exciting.

“Both Danny and Scarlett successfully completed the event, with Scarlett showing incredible determination and strength throughout.

“The Sudbury and Colchester canoe clubs were instrumental in the smooth running of the event. Their on-water support was outstanding, helping to guide and assist the participants.

“We also had incredible assistance from our Steel Bones volunteers, who worked tirelessly to help amputees and move canoes over portages, ensuring everyone could complete the challenge.

“The event also brought an amazing sense of achievement to all participants – many of whom have only recently undergone amputations and are still receiving medical treatment.

“Despite the physical demands, everyone who completed the challenge felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, even though they were understandably tired.”

Clare Symes, of Sudbury Canoe Club, added: “We did not realise what a mammoth task the organisation would be, but the emotional farewell thanks we got from the Steel Bones participants made the hard work worthwhile.”