Kitesurfing charity challenge

The challenge takes place between Hayling Island and Lancing in September at a date to be set, depending on wind conditions.

The Big Charity Downwinder is the first event of its kind, aiming to set a new kite surfing world record and raise funds for charity.

Taking part are directors Richard Apperly, Mark Swaine and Greg Say supported by a close team of five friends: George Clark, Jay Rutledge, Tom Watson, Tabatha Lewis and Daniel Gibbs.

All members of the team are intermediate or advanced kite surfers who regularly kite together along the local coastline.

The event has been organised by Snow Camp, an innovative youth charity that uses a unique combination of skiing, snowboarding and life-skills programmes to support inner-city young people. Not only is the Rye team fund raising for Snow Camp, they are also raising money for Asthma UK and The Brain Tumour Charity.

The directors commented: “We will be putting in every effort to maximise our team and individual results however the main objective is to raise as much money as we can for the charities which are personal to all of us.”

The company has a tradition of supporting and sponsoring local events and good causes including Rye Raft Race and Rye International Jazz Festival as well as sponsoring Rye Cricket Pavilion and Iden Football Club.

The fund raising page for Snow Camp and the RNLI: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/wsw and for Asthma UK and The Brain Tumour Charity: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/wswrightltd.