Three Rivers Challenge – River Liffey, Thames and Humber - Sunday 2nd September 2007
On Sunday 2nd September, 44 year-old Graham Boanas, will boldly go where no man has gone before to raise funds for DebRA, the national charity which supports people in the UK affected by the skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). The groundbreaking Three Rivers Challenge will see the Hull businessman attempt to cross three major tidal rivers: the Liffey, Thames and Humber – unaided, on foot and all in one day.
At 6ft 9ins tall, Graham will need all his height to help him undertake this amazing feat, which starts at the River Liffey in Dublin at 8am. Graham will then be transported via hi-speed helicopter to the banks of the Thames in London for the second leg – due to start at 12.30pm. Following the successful crossing of the Thames, the hi-speed helicopter will take Graham to the River Humber, where leg three – due to start at 5pm – will complete, what will no doubt be, one of the most challenging, daring and historic events ever witnessed in the UK.
Graham is no stranger to undertaking arduous fundraising challenges for DebRA – in 2005, he was the first person ever to cross the Humber estuary on foot at low tide. In 2006, Graham was also the first person to cross both the Humber underwater and the Mersey estuary on foot at low tide within one week which, together with his previous challenge, raised more than £100,000 for DebRA. He hopes his latest challenge will increase that fundraising figure to in excess £200,000.
Graham first came into contact with DebRA while training at his local gym where he watched GMTV coverage on Adana Forsyth, who has EB. He was so moved by her story, he decided there and then to take action and raise funds for DebRA.
EB is a rare genetic condition which causes the skin to blister and shear at the slightest friction, or even spontaneously. There are currently at least 5,000 people living with this devastating condition in the UK. In its mildest form, blistering is confined to the hands and feet. In more severe cases, the whole body is affected and wounds heal very slowly, giving rise to scarring, physical deformity and significant disability. Blistering can also affect inner body linings, such as the mouth and oesophagus and, in its most advanced form, EB can be fatal in infancy.
When asked about his forthcoming feat, Graham said: “By undertaking the Three Rivers Challenge, I hope to raise the public’s awareness of EB and raise as much money as possible to help DebRA continue its invaluable support to people living with this devastating skin condition.
“This will be my retirement challenge and I will cross the Liffey in memory of my mum, Elizabeth Boanas, who was from Dublin and died in 2004.”
Amanda McLean, Director of Fundraising & Communications at DebRA, said: “We’re so grateful to Graham for his tremendous fundraising achievements and wish him every success with the Three Rivers Challenge. DebRA relies on the generosity of the public to carry out its vital work, funding research, and in providing specialist support services such as travelling nurses, clinics, equipment and respite holiday accommodation for families under severe pressure.”
A dedicated fundraising page for Graham’s Three Rivers Challenge is available at www.justgiving.com/grahamboanas and more information about the Three Rivers Challenge, is available at www.graham.boanas.co.uk.
For more information about DebRA, please visit www.debra.org.uk.
