Barton Peveril Sixth Form College student Harold Berendsen is set to canoe 126 miles, from Devizes to Westminster, in the DW Canoe Race between 15th and 18th April 2022. The Barton Peveril student is taking part in the event to raise money for charity QE2 Activity Centre.
Berendsen, who competes for Southampton Canoe Club, has been training for the event by competing in shorter races in the build up to the 126 mile challenge. The Romsey School’s former pupil has taken part in four races, which were 16, 17, 24 and 30 miles in length respectively.
“Kayaking at a completely different level”
The Hampshire-based College’s student is following his father, who has completed the race twice. Throughout the event, Harold Berendsen and his partner, Luke Fraser, will canoe for six hours a day and stop briefly at various checkpoints to refuel themselves for their endeavour.
Speaking on the event, Harold Berendsen said:
“I was inspired to take on this challenge by my Dad, who has completed the DW twice. I have always enjoyed kayaking, but training for the DW has meant kayaking at a completely different level.
“Raising money for the QE2 Activity Centre seemed a natural choice for me as it makes the activities that I love accessible to people with additional needs who may not have had the opportunity to try these activities if it wasn’t for the centre and the people who run it. Friends of my parents lost their son at sea and they raised enough money for the Centre to enable the purchase of a specialised boat which has wheelchair access. I went to the launch of the boat and this inspired me to want to complete the kayak marathon in aid of the QE2 Activity Centre.”
Allan Ball
says:We are proud of our grandson Harold who has worked very hard towards achieving DW success. His determined and roughed approach will see him and Luke through this challenge. Good luck to you both.