AN ex-Swanage man is close to completing an extraordinary charity solo journey — kayaking 180 miles around the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Having set off on April 6, Kevin Spear has been taking on the daring expedition entirely by himself, all to raise money for #WillDoes, a charity supporting young people’s mental health and well-being.
The 58-year-old has a special connection to #WillDoes, a charity founded in memory of William Paddy, who tragically took his own life aged 14.
As a close friend to William’s mother, Lesley, he taught William how to scuba dive and remembers him as a brave, outgoing and extremely happy kid.
“William was up for anything! It was heartbreaking,” Kevin said.
“This is about more than raising money.
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“It’s about making sure young people get the help they need before it’s too late.”
Kevin, who previously lived in Swanage and Wareham before moving to Somerset, has been carrying all his own food, collected water from streams and wild camped on remote beaches at night.
Battling strong tides, unpredictable weather, and the rugged elements of Scotland’s wild waters, the journey demands immense physical endurance, mental resilience, and self-sufficiency.
Remarkably, Kevin only began sea kayaking during the Covid pandemic, after being unable to pursue his primary passion: scuba diving.
Kevin is no stranger to sea kayaking after he circumnavigated Cornwall – some 370 miles – in 2022 alongside a support team. This time, it’s all on him.
He said he hopes this challenge will push his own limits while shining a light on the growing need for mental health support among young people.
“One of the reasons I’m doing this solo is because I wanted it to be a genuine challenge,” Kevin said.
“If you’re asking people to donate, the effort should be worthy of their support. I hope this journey will spark people’s imaginations.”
Kevin hopes to raise £5,000 in total, with £2,435 raised so far.
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