Teacher paddles 113km for Penarth special needs school

Kerry Baker, a teacher at the school and chair of Island SUP Club, paddled an impressive 113km over three days  from Lundy Island in North Devon to Jackson’s Bay on Barry Island to help fund new outdoor play equipment for the school.

She originally set a target of £1000, but the response far exceeded expectations, with the current total sitting at £2,673 and counting.

Kerry, paddled 113km for Penarth special needs school (Image: Kerry Baker)

Kerry set off from Lundy Island to Ilfracombe, a route filled with changing conditions.“It started with silky smooth water and dolphins,” she shared.

“Then rolled into some really confused water off Woolacombe which steadied out approaching Ilfracombe.” After a tough 40km push, spotting Damien Hirst’s Verity sculpture was a welcome sight.

Kerry, paddled 113km for Penarth special needs school (Image: Kerry Baker) From Ilfracombe to Minehead, the paddle took just five hours. “Mother Nature and I were definitely working together,” she said. “Inspired by the pupils of Ysgol y Deri I pushed hard all the way, reaching Minehead in five hours covering 46km.”

The final stretch to Barry was one to remember. “The passage from Minehead was incredible,” she said. “Silky smooth water, the brightest blue skies – and seeing my home coastline gave me goosebumps.” She described the warm welcome home as overwhelming and emotional.

Kerry, paddled 113km for Penarth special needs school (Image: Kerry Baker) In total, Kerry paddled 113km across open water to raise funds for vital equipment including swings, spinners, scooters and slides – to support the health and wellbeing of pupils at the special school.

“Outdoor engagement is incredibly important at Ysgol y Deri,” Kerry said. “Apparatus like this really supports that need.”

She thanked her support crew, donors, and Swansea Watersports for keeping her safe throughout the journey, adding:

“Every £1 will make a difference and improve the outdoor environment for our young people.”