Kayaking challenge builds up funds for radio charity

UK builders merchant Selco Builders Warehouse is backing a kayak challenge undertaken by Heart West Midlands Breakfast presenter Gemma Hill.

Selco is sponsoring Gemma, who presents Heart Breakfast with Ed James in the West Midlands, in her attempts to kayak 150 miles in five days along the Grand Union Canal.

Her quest begins on Monday 9th October when she will start from the Olympic Stadium in London before travelling through Wembley, Uxbridge, Milton Keynes and Leamington Spa ahead of arriving at the Canal House in Birmingham City Centre on Friday evening.

Gemma is taking on the challenge to raise money for Heart’s charity, Global’s Make Some Noise. The grant-giving charity gives small projects across the UK, such as Birmingham charity CHECT, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, a platform to tell their story, helping youngsters who are living with illness, disability or lack of opportunity.

Carine Jessamine, marketing director of Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “This is an incredible challenge Gemma is attempting.

“Not many people would have even given thought to this challenge, let alone agree to do it so everyone at Selco has full admiration and respect for Gemma.

“We have a number of branches in London, Birmingham and in between so, where possible, our staff will be going out to support Gemma on the canalside to try and get her towards the finishing line.”

Heart Breakfast’s Gemma Hill said: “This still feels like a ridiculously mad idea! The training has been extremely difficult and I’ve already drank far too much canal water, but I’m going to do whatever I can to complete this challenge as it’s for an amazing cause.”