Fundraising canoeing challenge across English Channel

Stuart Gilks (standing, left) with the other members of the fundraising effort and one of the Klepper Aerius II canoes which they use.
Stuart Gilks (standing, left) with the other members of the fundraising effort and one of the Klepper Aerius II canoes which they use.

A team of six men is undertaking a mammoth canoeing trip across the English Channel to arrive at a Normandy beach on June 6 – the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Among them will be former Spalding Grammar School pupil Stuart Gilks (51).
His parents Tom and Daphne, of Donington, hope to be in France to see the team’s arrival at the end of an estimated 40-hour, 200km trip from Portland.

The team will be in three two-man collapsible canoes and fundraising for a number of causes including Help For Heroes, The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and The Royal British Legion.

For more details about the attempt or to make a donation, visit www.normandyklepper
challenge.co.uk

more >

Three years in jail for robber who threatened to stab shop staff

13 Jul 2026

Taking steps for the generations

13 Jul 2026

MP campaigns to keep Spalding respite centre open

13 Jul 2026

Freddie’s fight over painkillers

13 Jul 2026

Man cleared of sex offences against child

10 Jul 2026

Large field fire in Pode Hole

10 Jul 2026