KAYAKERS took to the water for a 14-mile trek that has raised £6,000 for a charity supporting Wirral children with cerebral palsy this year.

The Wirral Kayak Challenge was held during the summer and followed by a Kids Kayak Challenge in early autumn. Stick 'n' Step chosen as one of its organisers' nominated charities.

Last weekend, Mike Dudley, who launched the Wirral Kayak Challenge in 2012, and has raised over £80,000 for local charities since then, hosted a special presentation night to celebrate this year’s fundraising achievements.

Since Mike opted to support Stick ‘n’ Step in 2022, he has shown unwavering support ever since and the charity is enormously appreciative of his and all the kayakers’ efforts.

Netty Doyle, regional fundraiser and family liaison officer at Stick 'n' Step, said: "The biggest thank you goes to Mike, Helen, Sheree and Julie, without whom this event would just not be possible.

"The hard work and dedication that goes into this event all year long doesn’t go unnoticed and we can’t thank them enough for their unwavering support.

"Stick 'n' Step receives no government funding, we rely greatly on supporters signing up to events like the Wirral Kayak Challenge.

Without the bravery and courage of supporters like this signing up to these epic challenges and raising sponsorship, we would be unable to continue our vital work providing life changing support to the children and young adults that attend Stick ‘n’ Step.”

Stick 'n' Step provides free weekly conductive education sessions to children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives.

The charity relies on supporters and volunteers to help raise the £750,000 required to deliver its services to over 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres.

For more about the charity, go to: www.sticknstep.org.