Retired teacher embarks on UK kayaking challenge
Ian Hayward is kayaking around Britain to raise money for charity
A former teacher at a Norwich school has embarked on a fundraising journey - kayaking around the UK.
Ian Hayward, 58, set off from Lowestoft beach last Sunday (26 April) and has now made it out of Norfolk's coast, into Essex, and heading towards Kent.
Setting sail on his Kayak called “ Goose Juice” - Ian aims to raise as much money as he can for two charities very close to his heart: Movember and Surfers against Sewage.
Ian told us: "Movember as a charity is laser-focused on supporting research into prostate cancers, but also in tackling mental health and suicide prevention.
"4 out of 5 suicides are men and its the biggest killer of men under 35, so we need to encourage men to speak out about these things, before its to late.”
Ian continued: "Surfers against sewage is a charity that promotes marine conservation and endeavours to protect the ocean.
"Our waterways are part of a jewel in the crown of the British Isles and we can't even go into the water safely.
"I've spent a lifetime working with youth groups and scouts and getting kids in the water, and now we're having to question whether it's safe to do that."
Ian hopes to raise £1500 for each charity, over the duration of his journey.
He was inspired by a friend, who after being diagnosed with stage four Prostate Cancer, decided to cycle around Britain.
“He did the only thing that you could reasonably do faced with that sort of challenge,” said Ian.
“I thought, if my mate can do such a massive thing, with a life shortening thing hanging over him, then I should get on with it, because you don't know what's around the corner.
“I know it's going to test everything I've got - resources, patience, willpower.”
You can track Ian's progress through his website here