We met Ben around 20 years ago and even then I never thought of him as having a disability, whilst he couldn't get around as quickly as his siblings it never slowed him down. Ben has Cerebral Palsy which commonly affects muscular coordination, mobility and speech among other things and he is embarking on kayaking the Welsh coastline with a friend.

Ben and his lifelong friend Tom Clark a disability advocacy manager are planning to kayak the Welsh coastline and aim to raise £10,000 for their 3 chosen Welsh disability charities. Bobath Cymru, Disability Can Do, Carmarthenshire People First. Click here to Donate

This challenge means a lot and is a natural result of growing up with a disability and wanting to make the most of what I have and hopefully encourage others to do the same.

Ben Bostock

Disability has played a big role in my life, especially with my approach to challenges. I’ve found the best way to approach a challenge is to embrace it, use it as a chance to find and test your abilities and ask yourself ‘what can I do? rather than saying ‘this is why I can’t’ and looking for excuses. It’s better to just get out there and do it!

Ben Bostock

The thing that ultimately makes the biggest difference to someone with a disability is their own attitude to life and the attitude of those around them. Everyone in life has strengths and weaknesses and someone with a disability is no different. If, as a society, we focused more on empowerment, enablement and ability then we would all be better off. This is what this trip is about.

Tom - Disability advocacy manager, has worked in the field of disability for six years

The challenge

Ben and Tom set off on their journey from Anglesey on August 27th and will reach Cardiff on September 10th. The journey comprises 14 legs of challenging sea kayaking which will each be approximately 30 miles in length. They are currently undertaking extensive training to prepare for the trip and we’re already receiving support from Escape Water Sports, Croesyceiliog Canoe Club and Welsh rugby legend Paul Thorburn among others.

This is a really tough challenge with weather and strong tidal currents which could hamper progress resulting in catching up lost mileage on other days. There are especially strong tidal rips around Ramsey Island off St Davids Head and Skomer, the tides are so strong in these areas, whirlpools and tidal rips are created, so getting the tide right is vital.

The Route

  • Stage 1: Aug 27th – Newborough (Anglesey) to Tudweiliog
  • Stage 2: Aug 28th – Tudweiliog to Abersoch
  • Stage 3: Aug 29th – Abersoch to Barmouth
  • Stage 4: Aug 30th – Barmouth to Aberystwyth
  • Stage 5: Aug 31st – Aberystwyth to Llangrannog
  • Stage 6: Sept 1st – Llangrannog to Fishguard/Newport
  • Stage 7: Sept 2nd – Fishguard/Newport to Solva/St. Davids
  • Stage 8: Sept 3rd – Solva to St. Ann’s Head near Dale
  • Stage 9: Sept 4th – Dale (St. Govan’s Head) Bosherston
  • Stage 10: Sept 5th – Bosherston to Tenby
  • Stage 11: Sept 7th – Tenby to Rhossili
  • Stage 12: Sept 8th – Rhossili to Porthcawl
  • Stage 13: Sept 9th – Porthcawl to Barry
  • Stage 14: Sept 10th – Barry to Cardiff

Support Boats

They are still looking for support boats in some of these stages below, if you can help please do email Ben on seabeyondisability@gmail.com www.seabeyondisability.co.uk

Good luck Ben and Tom, this is a really tough Challenge, we're very proud of you both, amazing cause, be safe.

Neil & Mandy Chapman, founders of Boatshed.com

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