Swansea harbour pilot pushes the boat out for Alzheimer's Society
Published 20 May 2010
Ben Ball, 43, a harbour pilot from Swansea, is undertaking a solo and unsupported kayak expedition from his home in Swansea to Tower Bridge, London to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
Ben left Swansea on 18 of May and the expedition will involve paddling up the Bristol Channel, overnighting in Barry, then kayaking across to Avonmouth, up the River Avon to Bristol Harbour before heading up river to Bath to join the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Canal connects Bath to Reading and the River Thames. The passage will take 10 days and covers a distance of 240 miles and 129 locks.
Ben said,
'I decided to fundraise for the Alzheimer's Society because my father-in-law has the condition, and our local branch in Bridgend has been wonderful in offering support and advice. I always enjoy a physical challenge and I've been preparing for this for the last six months, doing plenty of swimming and gym work as well as getting out in my kayak as often as time permits, so I hope it pays off. I'll be carrying all I need with me including my tent so I can be totally self sufficient.'
'The toughest day will probably be day four from Bathampton to Devizes when I will have 20 miles to paddle and 37 locks to negotiate. 29 of these locks are grouped together where the canal passes over Caen Hill at Devizes so this will entail an uphill portage of over two miles.'
Jo Swinhoe, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Alzheimer's Society said,
If you would like to help Ben raise money for Alzheimer's Society please visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Ball'We are delighted that Ben is giving his time and energy to take on this kayaking challenge for us. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Ben to help us care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.
'One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. It is more than just memory loss; it rob's people of their lives and has a devastating impact on families and loved ones. Please back Ben in his fundraising efforts so that we can continue leading the fight against dementia.'
From your local 5K to trekking the jungle or even parachuting, if you would like take part in an event for Alzheimer's Society, visit alzheimers.org.uk/events or call 0870 417 0192.
