Joe Way Paddle for Life Raises Over £5,000 for Local Charities

A massive return to Newquay Harbour after five years

The Joe Way Paddle for Life made a spectacular return to Newquay Harbour on Thursday 26th June, raising over £5,000 for Cornish charities – with donations still coming in.

Back for its 30th event after a five-year break due to Covid and family illness, the fun-packed day marked a powerful tribute to four-year-old Joe Way, a Newquay boy who died in 2008 after a courageous battle with a rare genetic condition and repeated illness.

The event combined water-based races with skydives, live music, a buzzing harbour atmosphere and a charity raffle – all in Joe’s memory.

Born a fighter, remembered with joy

Joe had been described as a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, superbugs and a rare condition called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). After numerous battles, he sadly passed away when SJS struck again, this time causing organ failure.

Since then, his parents Matt and Claire Way have worked tirelessly to raise money for over 20 causes in his name. The Paddle for Life was launched shortly after his death and has now raised more than £185,000.

Spectacular skydives and roaring applause

This year’s event started with a dramatic skydive as six jumpers from the Cornish Parachute Club descended from 5,000ft. Ben Wood, Dave Wood, Olly Denham and Ralph Mitchell touched down to a huge round of applause before being picked up in the harbour by Cornwall Surf Life Saving.

There were more thrills with a low flyby from pilot Chris Fowler, followed by another flyby from the Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter.

Live music, paddle races and community spirit

Back on shore, the crowds enjoyed live music into the evening with performances from Ash Harding, Oll An Gwella, the Newquay Rowing Club Male Voice Choir and DJs from Amplify Southwest — including Joe’s sister, Rosie Way.

The paddle races saw children of all ages take to the water, with commentary from Anton Roberts and a live broadcast on Radio Newquay. Newquay Surf Life Saving Club took the win in the relay race, which drew plenty of competition from other local teams.

The RNLI race was one of the most hotly contested yet, with the “Manns” team securing the Joe Way Memorial Cup. Matt presented the trophy, reminding everyone how much the event means to those who’ve supported it since its beginning.

Community backing and charity support

The event was supported by Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall. Funds came from paddler entries, harbour food stalls, drink sales at the rowing club and a packed raffle, which included a signed guitar from singer James Morrison and a painting by Doug Hinge.

Matt, Claire and the team expressed thanks to the many individuals, businesses and volunteers who made the event possible. Charity stallholders included The Wave Project, Children’s Hospice South West, Penhaligon’s Friends, Surfers Against Sewage, Cornwall Air Ambulance and St Petroc’s.

Speaking after the event, Matt Way said:

“After five years of not running the event, the team and family felt that it was the right time to relaunch the event, to celebrate what would have been Joe’s 21st birthday last September. So many people have enjoyed this event as kids and now have returned as adults, some with their own children; it is so uplifting for us as a family that we can celebrate Joe’s short but impactful life.”

For more information, visit www.joewaypaddle.co.uk.