Endurance challenge in Poole Harbour for Disability Charity

This September, Jon Gilbert is taking on the spectacular endurance challenge of kayaking for 12 hours in one day to raise money for Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity.

The challenge, taking place in Poole Harbour and starting in Lake Pier will see Jon kayaking up to 80 kilometres in one day to support children and adults with physical and learning disabilities in Dorset.  

Jon Gilbert commented: “One of the reasons I'm supporting the amazing folk at Diverse Abilities is in memory of my lovely mum. She was an NHS nurse & carer well into her 70's, who is much loved & greatly missed. Caring runs in my family. My wonderful sister Poppy was a Macmillan nurse, her daughter Lucy is a GP, my nephew Tom is training as a physio & his wife Emma is a district nurse. We were brought up to understand caring matters.” 

“I've supported Diverse Abilities events over the years and always wanted to do something more to help this incredible team who provide vital care and support to more than 2,000 children, adults and their families in Dorset. I had the pleasure recently to meet the team of wonderful carers at The Beehive and see first-hand the incredible caring work they all carry out and understand more about the breadth of services they provide in a very challenging financial climate. Meeting the team will be a huge motivator for me during my challenge.”

Jon is aiming to raise £875, which will fund a nurse for one week. Without dedicated and specialist nurses Diverse Abilities could not provide the level of support and care needed by the children and adults supported by the charity, who live with profound physical and learning disabilities and complex medical needs. 

Sponsor Jon at justgiving.com/page/jon-gilbert-10, and find out more about the support provided by Diverse Abilities at diverseabilities.org.uk.