Pippa Dixon Completes 50km Source to Sea Challenge Along River Camel in Memory of Her Mum

River Camel Source to Sea Challenge Completed in Memory of Carol Marshall

On Sunday, 23rd June, Pippa Dixon completed a gruelling 50km solo tri-discipline challenge along the River Camel, from its source to the sea. The challenge, never attempted in this way before, included a 25km walk, a 12km cycle and a 10km swim, all in one day – raising money and awareness for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of her mum, Carol Marshall.

This was one of 70 personal challenges Pip has set herself to honour what would have been her mum’s 70th birthday. So far, the efforts have raised £3,078 towards a £4,000 target on her JustGiving page.

From the Moorlands to the Estuary

Pip set off at 8.30am for what was supposed to be a 20km walk, but the six-hour trek turned into 25km after she got lost, was bitten by a dog and had to battle bramble-covered paths. “I nearly quit near the end as I could barely manage one foot in front of the other and had no idea how my burning hips would cope on a bike,” she said.

With the tide clock ticking, Pip pushed through a 12km cycle along the Camel Trail in just 30 minutes to reach Wadebridge. There, she was greeted by her college friend Emma Edwards and family, who surprised her with cheers and a placard. She was then transported the remaining 8km to prepare for the final stretch.

A Swim to Remember

Pip entered the water at Wadebridge at 4.45pm, facing a force 5 wind and three hours of swimming to Padstow. “Swimming 10km is equivalent to running a marathon,” she said. But with the guidance and support of Ivan from Open Water Devon, she reached the end of the River Camel just before 8pm.

She praised Ivan and Kate from Open Water Devon for making the swim possible: “Ivan, with you I felt safe. You gave me confidence and self-belief. You guided me for 3 hard hours, always smiling, always positive, always real. I won’t ever forget your kindness.”

Honouring a Mother’s Memory

The River Camel had deep personal meaning for both Pip and her mum. “Mum watched the steam trains from her bedroom window as a child, and I walked and cycled along it countless times,” she explained. “The River Camel transcends all of that, entwining our past with my present… Mum lives on, through me.”

Pip’s mum Carol was diagnosed with MS at just 19. She lived with severe disability for much of her adult life and passed away suddenly in 2016 aged 63. “I want the world to know that my Mum – Carol Marshall – existed. She was kind, brave and gentle and MS robbed her of a rich and joyful life.”

Each of the 70 challenges Pip has planned is linked to a memory, hobby or shared love with her mum. These include crafting, swimming, cycling, time in nature and even penguins.

Bridge Bike Hire also supported the event by sponsoring the challenge. Pip thanked Berni, saying: “You reposted my social media posts, encouraged me all the way… You and your family have helped to shape the Camel Trail… you helped to make this happen.”

How to Support

To donate, visit Pip’s JustGiving page and help her get closer to her £4,000 goal.

The money raised will support the Multiple Sclerosis Society, helping to fund counselling sessions, helpline calls and access to MS nurses for those affected by the condition.

“Being born to a mum who had MS and ended up being severely disabled by it is why I want to raise money and awareness,” Pip explained. “This has impacted my whole life.”