The Big Paddle started with a simple idea: do something meaningful — and a bit mad — to remember our friend Sarah.

Sarah Whittle Dilworth died of breast cancer in 2022. She was only 40, and left behind her husband and two young daughters. She was the kind of person you never forget — funny, generous, and properly full of life.

A few of us got together and decided to paddle 43 miles down the Thames in her memory. We didn’t know what we were doing, but we did it, and it felt like the right way to honour her.

Now, The Big Paddle happens every year. Over three days, we paddle, camp, raise money, and share stories. It’s grown into something really special and we’d love more people to get involved.

You don’t have to be a pro. You don’t even have to paddle. Just support however you can.