Member Article

Rivert-ing adventure for RAPt raises over £13,400

Escrick Park owner and former High Sheriff of North Yorkshire Charlie Forbes Adam and good friend Nick Woodhead, havecompleted their River-ting Adventure for RAPt in just four days! They canoed over 87 miles along the River Derwent to the River Ouse, raising over £13,400 so far of their £10,000 fundraising target in under a week.

Charlie and Nick are raising funds and awareness for The Bridges in Hull, a residential rehabilitation facility for men run by the charity RAPt (Rehabilitation of Addicted Prisoners Trust).

The intrepid pair set off on Monday 9 May and reached their destination today, a day ahead of schedule. It was an intense experience, made that bit tougher by having been blessed with good weather the week before and therefore being without the advantage of a rain-swollen river that would have carried them away without too much paddling. They paddled an average 25 miles a day – better than their expected 20 miles. Both report rather sore arms and the need for a long bath.

With no training, no experience and an Ebay-ordered canoe, it was touch and go at times, but they made it through, finishing their epic journey at Barmby Bridge just after 1pm.

The two friends had the idea years ago and finally decided on Nick’s 60th birthday (22 October 2015) to take it on as a birthday challenge.

As chair of RAPt’s Fundraising Advisory Group in Yorkshire, Charlie Forbes Adam has been at the forefront of RAPt’s fundraising work since 2010. He has raised more than £700,000 for RAPt’s rehabilitation service in Hull, The Bridges, with the River-ting Adventure for RAPt being his biggest fundraising challenge yet.

Charlie, whose own personal struggle with addiction inspired him to support RAPt and The Bridges, said: “We’re absolutely wrecked but it’s been brilliant – a great adventure. People have been so friendly along the way – even local fishermen, despite us ruining their catches! The Bridges is something that has been close to my heart for many years and I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation and helped out. It makes the challenge all the more rewarding to know it has made a difference to The Bridges and the fantastic work they do to turn people’s lives around. Nick and I are already planning our next escapade.”

To sponsor Charlie and Nick’s River-ting Adventure for RAPt, visit https://www.justgiving.com/Charles-Forbes-Adam.

Laurien, who has been supported to tackle his addiction at The Bridges, said: “Since arriving at The Bridges in January I have been clean and sober all this year, the longest since my early teens and I’m becoming hopeful that I can live a happy and fulfilling life. I have met Charlie and his group of fundraisers – they have a lot of passion for recovery and helping people rebuild their lives. I’m really grateful for their tireless work which helps keep this project open for the likes of myself and many others. Charlie’s canoeing challenge just goes to show the lengths he will go to help others to achieve recovery – hope he does well, stays safe and keeps smiling!”

All money raised will support RAPt’s rehabilitation service at The Bridges and provide a secure, drug and alcohol free environment for men, including those who have been in prison, to be treated for their addiction problems combined with therapy to tackle their offending behaviour.

The Bridges success rate sees 85% of clients completing their treatment free from alcohol and drugs, 76% of clients have not reoffended or relapsed within a one year period of completing the treatment and 100% of clients have been successfully housed, moving on to lead healthy alcohol, drug and crime-free lives.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .