We hope this email update finds you well and enjoying the summer, at the time of writing it is cooler than when the last update was sent out.
Developments since the last update:
We are so pleased to announce that two companies have supported Paul’s training, firstly while we were at Cowes Week Paul approached Lendy P2P the main sponsor of the Cowes Week Regatta to ask if they would like to support his training and/or the Challenge the Channel event. We are delighted to say that the CEO Liam Brook has agreed a £200 donation towards training, Lendy P2P also donated £75 to the fundraising page, we look forward to receiving the donation.
On our return from Cowes Week we received more good news, another company (who wish to remain anonymous) have donated an astounding £2,000 towards the training costs so it goes without saying that Paul is overwhelmed by these very kind donations. We are sincerely grateful for the support from both companies as it will mean that we only have to find around £2,500 for the rest of training and £2,500 for the challenge on the day. The cost of training is for Mike Gilbert's time and the transport of the boat and support boat for the Bembridge to Needles endurance training row in September/October.
Radio interview:
Paul was delighted to be invited on to Radio Solent, Nick Girdler morning show on Sunday 22nd July, Nick is a very enthusiastic man, who’s show on a Sunday morning is one of the best shows we have listened to. Thank you Nick.
Kit:
Kit is sponsored by Alexandra Sport and is being made as we write, we don’t have a date for when this arrives but Paul is looking forward to wearing it, we sent out some images of what the kit design looks like a while ago.
Globaleather have sponsored Paul’s gloves and made a £300 donation to the justgiving page to which we are sincerely grateful, we received another 3 pairs of gloves this morning, thank you.
Training:
Training has been going well, Paul has completed 366 hours in the gym and on the Ergo (Rowing machine) and 11 hours on the water. Paul’s on-water coach is pleased with how Paul has progressed given it takes 2 years to learn to Scull properly, there are (I believe) some technical hurdles to overcome but with the progress Paul is making the Challenge is looking more and more achievable with only a short period of time spent on the water. Emma Gueterbock who is Paul’s technical coach in the gym and an experienced former Team GB rower has been coaching Paul techniques which has been a great help, Emma gives up her time for free and also rows with Paul on the rowing machines on a Friday morning.
Print donation:
Ingrid Abery, who is a renowned sailing photographer has donated 1 of 3 limited edition prints for auction to help raise funds towards Paul’s training, the prints are valued between £500-£650 we would like the bidding to start at £200 please. We can send you copies of the prints upon request.
Fundraising total to date:
The fund-raising total to date has risen to £1,121, thank you to those who have made donations.
Overview:
Training is going well both on the water and in the gym, we are still in search of sponsors for the event before we can go ahead and print the posters and promote the event. If anyone knows of any company that may wish to support this challenge please let us know. Clearsilver the PR company will be dealing with the promotion of the challenge but we will be sending out updates via email, on FB and twitter. Photos will be added to instagram and the blog page as and when we have.
Social Media Sites:
Many Thanks.
My Very Best Wishes
Paul
Paul A Smith OBE
M: 07796595432
Supporting Children and Teenagers with life threatening illnesses and people with breast cancer.
