A determined team from The Albion Foundation completed one of the UK’s most demanding endurance challenges earlier this week, successfully kayaking across the English Channel to raise vital funds that will help continue changing lives across Sandwell.
The team, made up of Jonathan Ward (Deputy Director of The Albion Foundation), Andrew Johnson (former West Bromwich Albion player), Oliver Bache, Kelly Hayes, Dave Langran and Jude Thompson, paddled an incredible 28 miles from Dungeness, England, to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France. Facing changing tides, challenging sea conditions and one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, the group spent more than six hours on the water to reach the French coast.
The challenge forms part of The Albion Foundation’s ongoing fundraising efforts and has already raised close to £30,000, with donations continuing to come in. Every pound raised will help support the Foundation’s work across Sandwell, providing opportunities for thousands of children, young people, adults and families through sport, education, disability programmes and community initiatives.
The challenge was proudly supported by Bache Group, Principal Partner of The Albion Foundation, alongside CSCM, 60to40, and Tremlett & Turner, whose sponsorship and backing helped make the expedition possible.
The Foundation would like to extend its sincere thanks to Robert Bache and Oliver Bache of Bache Group for their continued commitment as Principal Partner, Jude Thompson and CSCM, Dave Langran and 60to40, and Andrew Johnson and Kelly Hayes of Tremlett & Turner for their incredible support. Their commitment went far beyond sponsorship, with many of them taking on the challenge themselves, demonstrating an unwavering belief in The Albion Foundation and the communities it serves. Their generosity, determination and support have played a significant role in helping the team move ever closer to its £30,000 fundraising target.
Speaking after completing the crossing, Jonathan Ward, Deputy Director of The Albion Foundation, said: “Completing the English Channel is something I don’t think any of us will ever forget. It pushed every member of the team physically and mentally, but what carried us through was knowing why we were doing it. Every stroke of the paddle represented the people and communities we support through The Albion Foundation.
“I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Principal Partner, Bache Group, as well as CSCM, 60to40, and Tremlett & Turner, whose support helped make this challenge possible. Thank you also to everyone who has donated, encouraged us and followed our journey. To now be on the verge of reaching our £30,000 fundraising target is simply incredible. Every donation will help us continue changing lives across Sandwell through the power of sport, education and community. On behalf of the whole team, thank you for believing in what we do and helping us make a real difference.”
Andrew Johnson, former West Bromwich Albion player, added: “This was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever taken on. The conditions constantly tested us, both physically and mentally, but the teamwork throughout was incredible. Everyone kept each other going when it got difficult, and crossing the finish line together made it all worthwhile.
“The Albion Foundation does amazing work in our communities, so to be able to play a small part in helping raise money for that work means a great deal to me. I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved and thankful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Challenges like this show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.”
The team received fantastic support throughout the challenge, with friends, family, supporters, partners and the wider Albion family following every mile of the crossing and cheering the team on from start to finish.
As the fundraising total continues to rise towards £30,000, The Albion Foundation would like to thank every individual and organisation that has donated and supported the challenge. The funds raised will directly support the Foundation’s work across Sandwell, helping to provide opportunities for children, young people, adults and families through sport, education, disability programmes and community initiatives.
There is still time to support the team’s incredible achievement and help The Albion Foundation reach its £30,000 fundraising milestone. Every donation, no matter the size, will help continue changing lives and strengthening communities across Sandwell.
You can make a donation here.
