THE PARENTS of tragic Newquay tot Joe Way have spoken today of their pride at watching more than 1,000 people support a fundraising paddle in memory of their son.
Matt and Claire Way said it was amazing to see so many people line the harbour walls as 300 plus people took to the water for the sixth Joe Way Paddle For Life on Thursday.
Five years on from little Joe's death, the couple have raised more than £116,000 for around 20 charities, including the Little Harbour children's hospice project. This year's event raised around £3,000.
Matt said: "Five years ago we had no idea how we would cope with the loss of Joe. However in the middle of the beach watching the hundreds of paddlers, listening to the music, watching our volunteers and seeing the thousand plus spectators it became clear to me that you learn to live with the loss with the help of others and we are extremely lucky to have so much support."
The event was first organised by lifeguards at Fistral beach soon after his death in May 2004, and has attracted more support every year.
Joe was born with a rare genetic condition and died in May 2008 aged 4. He had been labelled a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction, numerous superbugs and complete organ failure.
Claire said: "We are really grateful for all the effort the paddle team and businesses have put into this year's event. Everyone worked really hard to make it a fun and safe day we are really proud of what people have achieved in Joe's memory. Holiday makers where amazed by the community spirit that was evident all day."
This year's paddle incorporated a 'sunset sessions' music event, as well as a host of other entertainment, including an appearance by crowd-pleaser Titan the Robot.
The music kicked off with Ben Sutcliff playing on the harbour stage, followed by The Strawdogs and then finishing in the rowing club with Jethro Baines.
The 1km relay was won this year by Woody's Paddlers and the SUP cup was won by Jordan's SUP team. The highest fundraiser trophy was retained by the Wave Project.
Skyhawk launched their remote controlled helicopter to capture aerial photos of the event which can be seen on the Joe Way Facebook page.
The event also had a prize draw and prizes where donated by Lusty Glaze, indo board Europe, Ben Skinner and Tom Butler, Northshore surfshop, O'Neill and Surfers Against Sewage.
Matt added: "Once again local businesses and charities ensured the event was run to a high standard and we would like to thank P&J Print, Soundworx, First Response GB, Purple Gecko events, Perranporth Signs, Skindog surfboards, tbsurfing, Scott Dickinson Creative, Hutton Hire, Gould Radio, Skinner's Ales, Bookers, Coastal Crepes, Ultra Entertainment, Newquay Lions and Leo's, Sainsbury's, Golant Fire, Newquay and Lustyglaze SLSC, JLT insurance, southwest hire, Karl Fice-Thompson, Owen Clements, Anton Roberts, Harry Kazam, Bucaneer Bay, Newquay's fishermen, RNLI, Dean Woods, Rowing club, Julia Sharland and the check-in team, Sue Butler and harbour master Graham Alecock-Smith who all supported the event which runs at zero cost."
