Join Dorothy House on Saturday 16th September for the ‘Big Avon Paddle’. Paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists are coming together again to have some fun whilst raising vital funds to help Dorothy House Hospice provide crucial end-of-life care for our local community.

Participants take to the water from 10am at The Boathouse, Newbridge, Bath and can choose to complete as many 4.5 mile loops as they like. Any form of ‘paddle powered’ craft is welcome to take part!

Dorothy House launches this event for a third year, with huge support from Channel Kayaks and The Boathouse pub.

There will be live music throughout the day for attendees and their supporters to enjoy, along with an outside bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and flatbreads. Breakfasts can also be ordered before the event.

Entry is £20 and all participants will receive refreshments along the route on the day as well as an oven baked flatbread at the end. Event T-shirts can also be purchased for £10.

To help raise vital funds for the Hospice, participants are encouraged to raise as much as they can to help Dorothy House continue to provide free end-of-life care.

£203 could fund a compassionate, skilled and experienced Hospice at Home Carer to provide care overnight, enabling a patient to stay at home at the end of their life.

£500 could fund an expert counsellor to run 7 support group sessions for young adults with a life-limiting illness, helping them feel less alone.

Last year’s event raised an incredible £12,000 whilst participants paddled a collective 763 miles and we’re hoping to raise even more in 2023!

Whether you come on your own or with a fellow paddler it will be a fun day for all involved, whilst supporting our vital work at Dorothy House.

Stephen Phillips, participant from last year, said: “I lost my wife on January 29th 2020 aged 58, after three years of struggle with bowel cancer.

“Anne and I were together for 44 years. Dorothy house took her from the RUH for the last two weeks of her life. I couldn’t have wished for a nicer place for my beloved soul mate to be. All the staff were fabulous and so professional. Covid hit soon after so although I was a mess I could only access counselling online, but Dotty House were fabulous and I eventually joined their walking group and it was the best thing ever.

“I made some great friends and I still dip in and out of it even now. I’ve participated in many events now and try to give back and raise a few pennies for these amazing people.”

So, whether you’re paddling to show your support for Dorothy House, in memory of a loved one or because you’re in our care today – grab your paddle and sign up today by visiting: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/get-involved/events/the-big-avon-paddle-2023/