PADDLE boarders have completed their 100-mile challenge down the River Severn raising money for Worcester Snoezelen

Duncan Liddell was joined by his friend Matt Potter in the challenge to raise money for Worcester Snoezelen - the charity with a multi-sensory centre with activities for people with disabilities and additional needs.

The pair started at Welshpool on Tuesday, August 4, travelled through Shrewsbury and Ironbridge earlier this week, then on to Stourport, and arrived in Worcester on Saturday afternoon. They completed the journey unaided, carrying everything for the five-day journey on their boards - tents, sleeping bags, cooker, food and drink.

Duncan, 42, said he was inspired to take on the challenge after seeing the help and support the Worcester Snoezelen charity has given to his seven-year-old son Len, who is autistic.

He said: "We are trying to get as much awareness of this great charity as we can, and to raise money and support them in their work. It is a way to give back.

"Me and my little boy have been going there for the last 18 months and it has been a game-changer for us because we were really struggling.

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"It is somewhere he can play, he can enjoy the hydro pool, it is amazing. It is just a place full of smiles and to see some of the most vulnerable people in our society having that joy and loving being there, that is what makes it such a special place."

So far the pair's efforts have raised £1,690, much needed by the charity as it is starting to resume services as restrictions are eased following lock-down.

Duncan said: “It has been a 100 mile epic adventure, tough at times, but in aid of an amazing charity which does so much good work. The best parts of it for me have been the adventure, the camaraderie, raising awareness, raising the money and the sheer challenge of doing it.

“It was a trip of highs and lows, with sore and aching limbs at times, but the moment you get back on the water you realise what you’re doing it for. I couldn’t have done it without my good friend Matt Porter who is relatively new to paddle boarding. Day after day Matt has put in a tremendous effort – he was on his last feet the last few miles. It’s been a once in a life-time experience – starting where the river was only 1.5 metres across, lying down to get under tree limbs it was like paddling through a jungle, then at one point coming down rapids, and at the end manoeuvring around motor cruisers as we came into Worcester. I just want to thank everyone that’s been passing messages on and donating the sponsorship – raising money and raising the profile of Worcester Snoezelen is what it’s all been about.”

He added: "It has been one hell of a trip, it really has. Quite emotional because I have had this plan since December last year and we didn't think it was going to go ahead, so actually being out there doing it was great."

Anyone who wishes to support the cause can visit justgiving.com/team/SUPforSnoezelen