Newquay’s Joe Way paddle for life charity event returns after a break of 5 years and is ready to spread some colour and fun across the harbour this summer.
Local boy Joe Way, was born with a rare genetic condition called Angelman’s Syndrome and died on the 7th May 2008 aged 4. 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. After 11 annual ‘Paddles’ and nearly 100 other fundraising events, the team had raised over £180,000 for more than 20 different charities. 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 Dad, Matt, who is a member of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club 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 favor 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”.
Singer song writer James Morrison and family have been long time supporters of the event, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds since 2008, this year see’s an online draw with a signed guitar and photos from James as well as an original Doug Hindge painting of Newquay harbour, signed canvas prints of the locals surf legends, Ben Skinner, Tom Butler and current UK champion Lukas Skinner as well as lots more.
To enter the draw go online https://go.rallyup.com/joewaypaddleforlife2025 the family have asked for as many people as possible to share on social to help celebrate what would have been Joe’s 21st birthday last September and support local charities.
The event has all the favorites back with skydivers from Cornwall Skydive who will be flying Joe’s flag and landing on Towan Beach, live music with Lee Quinney sings, Oll an Gwella, Amplify southwest DJ sets, 400 paddlers, the RNLI beach lifeguards memorial paddle, along with charity and food stands.
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.
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
