Matt and Mark takes on the DW 2014

The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race starts in Devizes, Wiltshire and finishing just downstream of Westminster Bridge in central London, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The race has been held annually over the Easter Weekend since 1948.

The race is 125 miles long and has 77 portages. The first 52 miles are along the Kennet and Avon Canal to Reading, the next 55 miles are on the River Thames to Teddington. The final 17 mile section is on the tidal portion of the Thames.

The race is a severe test of skill, physical and mental stamina and planning which produces a memorable sense of achievement for those successfully completing it.

We are doing this for a  great causes 

Harry Winstanley's Sensory Room Harry is an extremely special little boy who hasn't had the easiest start in life, and we want to help make his day to day life just a little easier. Harry suffers from a condition known as a Chiari Malformation. This means his brain does not fit into his skull and decends down through an opening in the base of the skull and presses on his spinal cord. This compresses the brainstem and blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This causes Harry a huge number of symptoms including excruciating daily headaches, balance problems, sleep apnoea (stopping breathing regularly when asleep), swallowing problems and extreme fatigue. Harry spends over half the night distressed and in pain and also has difficulty coping with everyday situations such as playgroups and too much noise. Harry has undergone numerous tests and procedures, and has had 2 major brain surgeries in the past year. There is a strong chance he will need futher procedures and surgeries in the near future. He battles every day with pain and at 2 years old its difficult to tell everyone what and how you are feeling. Despite all of this Harry is probably the happiest little boy I have ever had the privilege of knowing. This coupled with his family's strength through such a difficult time is inspiring to all of us who surround them. Harry needs a sensory room with specialist equipment to help to distract him from the pain, cope with his everyday life and hopefully aid him in sleeping better. We want to raise as much money as possible to help his parents get this equipment sooner so that Harry can have a better quality of life.