THERE were 22 Kelly College pupils among the 600 paddlers who attempted the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon, known as the 'Canoeists' Everest'.

The course follows the Kennet and Avon canal, joining the River Thames in Reading down to Teddington, where the river becomes tidal for the final stretch to Westminster. The 125 mile course amounts to around 90,000 paddle strokes and includes 77 portages, with the junior competitors completing the course in four days and the seniors in just one.

Roger Huish who has been training the crews said that 'this event is one of the most rewarding and respected endurance challenges held in the UK.'

All of the Kelly paddlers who took part completed the course and the girls' team of Emma Davidson, Ellen Riis-White and Chantal Whitfield and Elissa Cundy were third overall. The fastest Kelly boat home was that of Harry Coulton and Max Byrne who, completing the challenge for the second time, paddled home sixth with an overall time of 19 hours and 8 minutes.

The full squad were: Sophie Ashley, Frazer Bayliss, Christian Brown, Max Byrne, Josh Carnell, Scott Cockerill, Emma Collingwood, Harry Coulton, Elissa Cundy, Emma Davidson, Bliss Ellacott, Seb Engel, Ellie Glossop, Leah Grant, Oli Hancox, Charlie Huish, Tom Houran, Henry Kisby, Aidan Mason, Ellen Riis-White, Natalia Sparrow and Chantal Whitfield, who all raised money for charities including Save the Children and Little People.

Also competing in the Senior K1 event was Old Kelleian Sandy Osbourne from Tavistock. Sandy was raising funds for the Devon Air Ambulance and successfully completed the course in 22 hours and 50 minutes.