Young kayaker tackles 25 mile paddle to raise funds in memory of his grandmother

A young kayaker has raised more than £300 by paddling 25 miles from Henley to Windsor in memory of his grandmother.

George Firth, 11, from Windsor, began kayaking last year and decided to undertake the trip to mark the first anniversary of the death of his grandmother, Tessa Johnstone-Maine.

He completed the challenge in four hours despite his mother thinking it would take all day.

All money raised from the youngster’s charity paddle will be donated to help fight multiple sclerosis (MS), which Tessa suffered from for more than 20 years.

George’s mother, Kathryn, said: “Looking at how he was a couple of years ago when he was gasping for breath I think it’s just phenomenal how far he’s come.

“We thought it would take him all day and told him there was no time pressure and to take breaks.

“He just kept going and even went through the locks himself.”

The paddle took place on Thursday, October 29.