VETERAN GRAHAM STOBBS TO COMPLETE 322 MILE KAYAK TRIP THIS FRIDAY AT SOUTH CERNEY OUTDOOR CENTRE

Veteran Graham Stobbs embarked on an epic 322-mile solo fundraising kayak trip, on 19th August. Graham departed from Rye Harbour and set sail along the south coast of England on a mission to complete 322 miles in just 11 days, including a Channel crossing.

A combination of bad weather and COVID-19 restrictions saw Graham’s plans change daily. Quarantine restrictions saw the Channel crossing cancelled but Graham battled on against the odds, facing two named storms and increasingly dangerous weather as he travelled along the coast.

The bad weather saw Graham risk his life on several occasions, with his emotional experience documented through a series of Facebook Live broadcasts.  At the end of August, after a series of delays and 190 gruelling miles, Graham laid a wreath at Slapton Beach Memorial before he and his safety advisors made the decision to complete the challenge on the lake at South Cerney Outdoor Centre.  The final 132 miles will be completed this week, with the challenge concluding on Friday 11th September.

Graham’s sheer determination to complete the challenge is born out of his desire to raise money for the Veteran’s Hub Swindon, Walking with the Wounded and The Veterans Hub Weymouth, three charities dedicated to supporting the continued wellbeing of veterans. 

Graham is paddling in an 18ft P&H Scorpio Sea Kayak, aiming to raise as much money as possible for the veterans’ causes that are close to his heart.  Graham is a passionate supporter of these charities having suffered with his own mental health problems and is taking on this challenge to help break the stigma around mental health and encourage veterans to open up, talk and ask for help.  As part of his treatment Graham is undergoing intense EMDR therapy with Cormac Doyle MBE of The Bridge Charity.  

All funds raised will help veterans, with some of the money being donated to Graham’s own charity, The Veterans Hub Swindon with the aim of creating a permanent centre, offering much needed mental health support, wellbeing advice and guidance for serving personnel, veterans and their families, a dream that the team are working hard to make a reality.

Funds will also be donated to Walking with the Wounded and The Veterans Hub Weymouth, charities well known for supporting the mental health of veterans across the UK.

Graham, 48, commented: “The trip along the south coast was one of the most frightening and dangerous things I’ve ever done. I have a new found respect for the sea and the challenge has pushed the boundaries of my mental wellbeing, endurance and physical capability.  Mental health and PTSD is a real challenge for veterans that commonly goes unrecognised for many years after service and the funds are desperately needed so I’m determined to do my bit to help those who have given so much for their country. I had to take expert advice to finish the trip in land on the lake but I’m determined to reach the full 322 miles before the week is out.”

Graham added “This is also part of my own healing process and I hope to encourage others to reach out about their own difficulties and seek help like I did. I want to show there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

This is not the only way Graham supports veterans causes, he is also founder of Swindon’s Mfor Festival, a family fun day meets music festival - which supports veteran, military and mental health charities, including The Veterans Hub.

A map of Graham’s progress is available here, with updates available on and to donate visit https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/221-mile-kayak