Hotelier to undertake kayak challenge for suicide charity
WEXFORD HOTELIER Liam Anthony Griffin will be taking to the sea on July 8 to kayak from Wexford to St David’s Head in Wales, across St George’s Channel.
Liam, along with three Defence Forces members, Private Stephan Happe, Signalman Araon Kearney and Private David Feehan, will kayak the 13-hour, 100 kilometre distance in aid of the suicide prevention charity 3Ts Turn The Tide of Suicide.
Liam Anthony Griffin is a dedicated sea and river kayaker and has been practicing the sport since his teens. He said the group wanted to undertake the team challenge as they often train together and they wanted to raise awarness of, and funds for the suicide prevention charity.
‘The crossing will most definitely prove a challenge, we hope that the weather conditions will be good but we will also be prepared for all eventualities.’
The four kayakers have been training for the last number of months and have undertaken a series of training exercises and challenges off the Irish coast to prepare for the crossing. They have also been undertaking a series of training challenges and mentoring with the global adventure kayaker Mick O’Meara, and have completed navigational training with Dermot Greer of Sailing Ireland.
Boat owner and skipper Pascal Ryan, and chef Derry Clarke are kindly providing and manning their support boat for the challenge. They will depart the Wexford coast at dawn on July 8.
To follow the team’s progress, or to donate, log onto everydayhero.com and search for ‘Kayak Challenge Ireland to Wales’.