Newcore Kayak Marathon raises over £30,000 for Aspire

A brand new kayak marathon challenge that took place on Friday 14^th September has raised over £30,000 for Aspire.

The kayak marathon saw over 20 teams take to the waters and paddle 26.2 miles from Banbury to Oxford. This is equivalent to kayaking across the Channel with the addition of 17 locks to negotiate along the way!

The challenge began in the centre of Banbury, with teams from a wide range of companies taking part alongside relay teams from both Aspire and from Cooper School in Bicester.

The event was a huge success, with the first team completing the kayak marathon in under 7 hours and a great range of fancy dress outfits on display. The funds raised will go towards Aspire’s vital work helping the most disadvantaged people in Oxfordshire to move closer to employment, training and education. The funding will also go towards Aspire’s physical fitness and mental wellbeing programme, which is invaluable in giving disadvantaged people the confidence and resilience needed to get back on their feet.

Helen Mariner, Fundraising & Communications Manager says:

“We’re absolutely delighted by the success of Friday’s Newcore Kayak Marathon. The atmosphere and energy on the day was fantastic and everyone did incredibly well – kayaking over 26 miles is no mean feat! The funds raised at this event will make a significant difference to Aspire’s vital work supporting the most disadvantaged people in our community to build their confidence and wellbeing in their journey back into the world of work. We’re extremely grateful to everyone at Newcore for their support.”

Hugo Llewelyn, Managing Director of Newcore Capital Management, says:

“We are really pleased to be supporting Aspire over the next two years, with the funds in particular helping them to provide educational; mental health and well-being; and physical fitness benefits to those they support.”