Team take on canoe challenge in Cornwall for Nerve Tumours UK

The group of eight are hoping to raise money to fund a specialist NF nurse in the South West

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 28th Jun 2023
Last updated 28th Jun 2023

A team of eight are taking on a challenge across open ocean in an Outrigger Canoe in Cornwall today (Wednesday 28 June).

The Celtic Crossing crew will paddle 55km from the Isles of Scilly to Sennen Cove to raise money for Nerve Tumours UK.

The team is made up of Paul Aubery, Tim Whyte, Roger Clegg, Boris Mavra, Steve Palmier, Phil Fanthome, Helen Ruud, Glenn Eldridge.

They're aiming to help fund a specialist nurse for people living with NF in the South West.

There are three neuro-genetic conditions: Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1); NF2-related-Schwannomatosis (NF2), and Schwannomatosis (SWN).

NF is one of the most common neuro-genetic conditions that causes tumours to grow on nerve endings. It can result in many associated medical, physical and psychological conditions like learning disabilities, scoliosis, as well as the need for regular surgical intervention.

Currently, there is a caseload of more than 600 patients in Devon and Cornwall diagnosed with NF.

The Celtic Crossing team have been training at OCUK Outrigger Canoe Club in Chiswick, London on the River Thames and on the open ocean in Carbis Bay with Ocean Sports.

After a series of aborted attempts during 2022, the team are hopeful they can successfully complete the challenge and raise much needed funding for Nerve Tumours UK.

You can support their fundraiser here.

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