Novice kayakers complete gruelling channel crossing for Transaid

The team, consisting of senior credit manager Suki Chana, commercial director Martyn Bellis and sales director Darren Fitzpatrick, crossed from Dungeness to Boulogne on 29 September and reached the finishing line in five hours and 45 minutes, covering 18.5 nautical miles.

The achievement was all the more remarkable for Chana, who had only begun kayaking for the first time in July.

Celebrating the crossing, Chana (pictured left), said: “We did it! Crossed the Channel yesterday! All three of us are well and healthy, albeit with a few aches.” 

Bellis (pictured right), described the crossing as “one of the biggest challenges of my life”, adding that while physically tough it was arguably more mentally gruelling due to rough seas.

“Today my body is broken, I ache all over, I would never do this again… but I’m so chuffed that I did this: Darren Fitzpatrick and Suki Chana, this is what teamwork is all about,” he said.

Fitzpatrick (pictured centre), echoed Bellis’s sentiments, describing himself post-crossing as “drained but elated”. He added his thanks to the safety boat team and the trio’s sponsors, saying “an amazing weekend and what an experience”.

The trio thanked everyone for their generous donations to date, which has seen them surpass their fundraising target and raise more than £7,500 for the international development organisation.

The funds will allow Transaid to continue to deliver life-changing impacts by providing safe, accessible, and sustainable transport solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as delivering vital medical supplies to remote regions.

Transaid takes the view that no driver should face the fear of not returning home due to inadequate training, an unsafe vehicle, or hazardous road conditions.

Maddy Matheson, Transaid head of fundraising, said: “This was an incredible achievement by three colleagues who were determined to mark Asset Alliance Group’s first year as Transaid corporate members in the most unique fashion possible. We are hugely grateful for their efforts in raising such a significant sum of money.”