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Hi John, it's Victoria here. I am a disabled paddleboarder, using crutches or a wheelchair to get about. And I've just completed a SUP challenge to raise funds for Surfers Against Sewage.

This is my story.

I discovered paddleboarding in 2024 and set myself a challenge to paddle the whole length (35 miles) of the navigable Mon & Brecon canal in South Wales, raising money for SAS and litter picking as I go.

I'm not the world's fastest paddler, but I am hopefully doing some good for this beautiful canal and for water cleanliness as a whole.

EXPLORE FUNDRAISING IDEAS [[link removed]]

I was a very active child and teen but had some joint problems which required surgery. These turned out to be due to a genetic condition which caused me to develop arthritis at a young age.

When I was pregnant in my 20s, I had a fall which sped up the arthritis in my spine. It has left me in constant pain, with limited strength in my legs and left arm

You’ll see from my photos, there's one of my crutches under the bungees on my board. I use these and a wheelchair to get around. I also have an accessible paddleboard seat, which has helped me paddle further before the pain becomes too much.

I'm very lucky to have a supportive husband and mum, who have walked the towpath with me for this challenge. They help me get on and off the board, move around locks and stay safe.

I grew up in a family with a background in farming, living in the countryside and appreciating nature. This has driven me to pursue an Environmental Studies degree through distance learning, which I am doing now, in my thirties.

I believe we live on an amazing planet and we all have the responsibility to care for it. This is just me doing my tiny part.

DISCOVER FUNDRAISING [[link removed]]

Feeling inspired by Victoria's story? Start your own challenge!

You could help save our wild waters by...

💦 SUPing the length of your local river, lake or coastline

🏄 Surfing or dipping everyday for a month

⛵ Kayaking or sailing around an island

🚴 Walking, running, cycling or swimming a challenging distance

🧁 Holding a bakesale or a birthday fundraiser

Whatever you do, you'll be part of our impact by helping fuel the fight to protect our waterways from harmful sewage and plastic pollution.

FUNDRAISE WITH US [[link removed]]

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Surfers Against Sewage

Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RD

Tel: 01872 553 001

Surfers Against Sewage is a national marine conservation and campaigning charity that inspires, unites, and empowers communities to take action to protect oceans, beaches, waves, and wildlife.

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