Jon has raised more than £1,000 so far for Diverse Abilities Picture: Diverse Abilities

Man to kayak around Poole Harbour for 12 hours in charity challenge

Tait ap EllisSeptember 4, 20250 Comment0

A MAN is taking part in an endurance challenge at Poole Harbour later this month in memory of his mother who worked in the NHS.

Jon Gilbert will kayak around the harbour for 12 hours in just one day to raise money for the Dorset’s Disability Charity, Diverse Abilities.

Jon will start his challenge in Lake Pier and he will rack up around 50 miles in his kayak to support children and adults with physical and learning disabilities in Dorset. The start date of his challenge has not yet been confirmed.

He said: “One of the reasons I’m supporting the amazing folk at Diverse Abilities is in memory of my lovely mum.

“She was an NHS nurse and carer well into her 70’s, who is much loved & greatly missed. Caring runs in my family.

“My wonderful sister Poppy was a Macmillan nurse, her daughter Lucy is a GP, my nephew Tom is training as a physio & his wife Emma is a district nurse. We were brought up to understand caring matters.

“I’ve supported Diverse Abilities events over the years and always wanted to do something more to help this incredible team who provide vital care and support to more than 2,000 children, adults and their families in Dorset.

Jon Gilbert Picture: Diverse Abilities

“I had the pleasure recently to meet the team of wonderful carers at The Beehive and see first-hand the incredible caring work they all carry out and understand more about the breadth of services they provide in a very challenging financial climate. Meeting the team will be a huge motivator for me during my challenge.”

Jon aimed to raise £875, which will fund a nurse for one week – but his total has so far been smashed with more than £1,000 donated so far.

Without dedicated and specialist nurses Diverse Abilities could not provide the level of support and care needed by the children and adults supported by the charity, who live with profound physical and learning disabilities and complex medical needs.

Sponsor Jon at justgiving.com/page/jon-gilbert-10, and find out more about the support provided by Diverse Abilities at diverseabilities.org.uk.