Seaton man set to kayak against cancer

Roy Beal with his kayak on Seaton beach before his trip from Seaton to Lands End for kayak against cancer. Photo by Terry Ife ref mha 4235-31-13TI To order your copy of this photograph go to www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24 (Image: Archant)

A Seaton man is taking to the water and kayaking to Land’s End in Cornwall for Cancer Research UK.

Roy Beal, 41, of Harbour Road, is doing the kayak trip in memory of his mother, Wendy, and his partner’s father, Jon, who both passed away from cancer.

“I just want to do something to help the fight against it,” he said.

“Cancer is a horrible thing and I’ve grown up around it, and I’ve just had enough of it affecting people’s lives.”

Roy was a keen kayaker in his youth, but when he secured a job, the time to regularly paddle fell by the wayside.

However, he has decided to take to the water again, and for a charity that is close to his heart.

“It’s a fantastic charity, and if I can have some input in their cause, I know I’ve done my job,” he said.

Roy will be starting his trek from Seaton Beach on Sunday, August 25 at 9.30am.

The trip is expected to take a minimum of seven days, and Roy hopes the weather will be kind to him out on the waves.

“There are a few areas of the trip which could be a bit hairy in bad weather, and there’s some which cause me a bit of concern regardless.

“I’m excited, but do hold a degree of nervousness.

“However, I’m determined to complete the trek because I’ve lost too many people to cancer already.”

Roy has undertaken several test paddles, taking return trips to Sidmouth beach and Lyme Regis.

“I train in my kayak every second I have free,” he said.

“I can’t let it slip because it’s such a long route. I’m quite active as it is so I try to get out on the water as much as I can to get myself in the best shape for the trek.”

Roy will be cataloguing his journey online, and has also arranged several members of the Axe Vale Canoe Club, and friends, to paddle with him on the first day of his journey to Land’s End.

Several cafes along the way are also supporting Roy, with the offer of a free breakfast and snacks as he tackles his biggest kayaking journey yet.

To follow Roy’s journey, check out www.kayakagainstcancer.co.uk, where he will blog his experiences on the water.

The site also details various places donations can be made for his trek.

“I’m aiming to raise £2,000 through this paddle,” Roy said.

“I’m funding the trip myself, so every penny donated goes to Cancer Research UK.

“If I reach my target, it will be a fantastic achievement.”

To sponsor Roy, visit www.justgiving.com/kayakagainstcancer