This Easter weekend I’m paddling from Devizes to Westminster – 125 miles over 4 days – to raise a little money for Combat Stress in memory of the sailors of HMS Coventry who did not return from the Falklands War in 1982, and those who have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since.

Day 1 (April 7th, Good Friday) is Devizes to Newbury (34 miles with the first 14 being a non-stop slog with no locks to portage), day 2 is Newbury to Marlow (36 miles), day 3 is Marlow to Teddington (38 miles) and day 4 (April 10th, Easter Monday) is Teddington to Westminster Bridge (17 miles on the choppy bouncy tideway). I’m paddling in a red/white/blue open canoe with my friend Marion, and D118 decorates the side of the hull!

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health For over a century they’ve been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like PTSD, anxiety and depression. If I can raise just £8 per mile I’ll hit my target of £1000 – please contribute what you can and share the link:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/damien-burke-dwrace

If you’d like to follow me online we are in boat 603 and you can track the boat here:

https://live.opentracking.co.uk/dw4day23/