We’re Proud To Be Supporting The Joe Way Paddle For Life

Pitched is proud to be once again sponsoring the Joe Way Paddle For Life charity event, which is returning this June after a 5-year break.

The annual event in Newquay, ran continuously for 11 years, raising over £180,000 for more than 20 different charities.

It was launched following the death of Joe Way, who sadly passed away aged 4 on May 7th, 2008.

Joe was born with a rare genetic condition called Angelman’s Syndrome. He had been labelled a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and survived numerous superbugs. He sadly died of complete organ failure after suffering from SJS for a second time.

In the September after Joe passed away, Newquay lifeguards held the Joe Way memorial paddle, which started the Joe Way Paddle for Life in 2008. However, with Covid holding off the 2020 event and the Way family dealing with another serious family illness, the event has not been revived until now.

Joe’s mum, Claire Way explained: “Joe would have been 21 last September so the daily memories are magnified, and with what everyone has been through the last four years, it feels right to mark this milestone and spread some goodwill across the community”.

Joe’s Dad, Matt, who the team at Pitched have worked alongside for many years during his roles at several holiday park operators, added: “The last event was so good, we were nervous to go for it again. However the Lions and Surf Lifesaving Cornwall were fully in favour as were previous Paddle supporters as well as new supporters. It’s always been a fun community event and a great way to celebrate Joe’s short but impactful life”.

The first four business sponsors – of which Pitched is one – have all pledged £500 each, which gets the fundraising pot started with £2,000.

The event has all the favourites back with skydivers from Cornwall Skydive who will be flying Joe’s flag and landing on Towan Beach, live music, plus charity and food stands, Titan the Robot, 200 paddlers, the RNLI beach lifeguards memorial paddle, along with a DJ set in Newquay Rowing Club.

The event will take place during the afternoon and evening of Thursday June 26 at Newquay harbour and is organised in partnership with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall with a whole host of local businesses and support from surf clubs and charities.

Ian Chambers, director at Pitched, added: “We are incredibly proud to support this event, as we have done for many years, to help raise funds for the charities that do such vitally important work. Matt has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the conditions that affected Joe and we know this year’s event will be a huge success once again.”

To see what happens at this year’s Joe Way Paddle for life and get up to date news go to www.joewaypaddle.co.uk or head to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/joespaddleforlife2018/