Sudbury to the Sea canoe challenge shows resilience of amputees in support of Steel Bones charity

A team of amputees have set out to show their disability is no barrier as they prepare to canoe all the way from Sudbury to the sea for charity.

Sudbury Canoe Club has teamed up with members of the Bury St Edmunds-based amputee support charity Steel Bones for a special canoe challenge on the weekend of September 7.

The challenge will see both single and double lower limb amputees paddle over 20 miles along the River Stour, from Sudbury to Cattawade, where the waterway connects to the sea.

Over recent weeks, Sudbury Canoe Club – with support from the neighbouring club in Colchester – has held training and safety sessions to help prepare them.

Clare Symes, of Sudbury Canoe Club, said they had been approached by Steel Bones to assist with their fund-raiser as their members had limited canoeing experience.

She explained that preparing amputees for such a challenge had been difficult, but she was impressed by their resilience.

“This has been a new experience for us, but it has been very rewarding, assisting them with their fund-raising,” Clare said.

“At first, I think they were surprised how difficult it is just to go in a straight line, but the smiles on their faces when they get back is excellent.

“Certainly the resilience of the amputees has been very impressive. They have been very excited about the challenge.”

In the lead-up to the challenge, Steel Bones has launched an online donations link while also inviting its participating members to collect sponsorships individually.

Danny Smith, who has had amputations to both legs because of infections, has so far raised more than £1,700 which he will split between Steel Bones and Young Lives Vs Cancer.

Fourteen-year-old Scarlett Walker, whose right leg was amputated above the knee due to a serious illness, has also passed the £1,700 mark with her personal fund-raising.

And double amputee Steve Elsom is taking on the challenge after overcoming significant health difficulties in recent years, including a quadruple heart bypass that limited his ability to leave home.

Gary Hawksworth, trustee at Steel Bones, added: “This event aims to rally the community around a worthy cause and also to highlight the personal growth and resilience of its participants.

“The challenge aims not only to raise vital funds for Steel Bones, but also to provide a platform for participants to push their limits and grow personally.

“The event will unite the community in support of amputees and their families, demonstrating the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

“Participants and supporters alike can look forward to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those living with limb loss, helping to build a stronger, more supportive community for all.”

If you would like to make a contribution towards the Sudbury to the Sea canoe challenge for the benefit of the Steel Bones charity, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/steelbonescanoechallenge.