Man to kayak 215 miles in memory of his mum

On Wednesday, Oscar Matthews starts his 10-day journey, from Cawsand to Bude

A man from north Cornwall is setting off on a kayaking challenge around the county's coastline in memory of his mother.

On Wednesday, Oscar Matthews, will paddle 215 miles (346km) in 10 days, from Cawsand to Bude.

The 33-year-old wants to raise £20,000 for The Sophie Fitzpatrick Charitable Foundation for Rare Cancers, named after his mother who died of goblet cell carcinoma in 2023.

The condition is an extremely rare cancer that occurs in about one person in a million.

Mr Matthews, from Widemouth Bay, has been training in pools and on the River Thames in London, with his longest kayaking session to date being 8km (5 miles).

'Life-destroying disease'

Oscar (far right) will be raising money for the charity founded in memory of his mum, Sophie Fitzpatrick

He aims, weather permitting, to paddle about 35km (22 miles) per day.

Towards the end of the journey he will also pass Crackington Haven, the coastal village where his mother lived, and was buried.

Mr Matthews said: “Throughout her life, Ma radiated selflessness and kindness.

"She possessed an unwavering spirit of empathy, always ready to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand to those in need.

"But Ma was also very practical and I’m sure she would approve of me embarking on this journey to raise funds for the foundation to support those diagnosed with rare cancers like hers.

"I hope that the funds I raise will contribute to helping others suffering from these life-destroying diseases.”