David completes latest world record feat

Our Ambassador David Haze has described his latest world record-breaking fundraising feat as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done”.

David stand-up paddleboarded 208km along the non-tidal stretch of the River Thames between Lechlade and Teddington Loch in two days and five hours, beating the previous record by a staggering 10 hours.

Just like his #4Lakes4Days challenge in June this year (in which he broke several world records), David completed his adventure to raise money for the Alliance of Sport – a cause that is close to his heart as a strong advocate of rehabilitation through sport.

“I feel very sore and tired, but I have to say it has been the best experience ever,” said David. It is definitely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but I’ve learned so much about myself.”

Despite severe blisters, fatigue and malfunctioning technology (David was using a GPS tracker to record his progress along the route and verify his world record), David was elated to have completed his latest challenge, which even he described beforehand as “totally bonkers”.

The previous record holder, Mark Horne, had included a night’s sleep in his schedule but David intended to complete the challenge without sleep. In the end, beset by the cold, he settled for 40 winks in his girlfriend’s car halfway along the route.

James Mapstone, CEO of the Alliance of Sport, said: “David’s commitment and effort in achieving this world record have been absolutely immense. He is the ultimate role model for the power of sport as a tool for rehabilitation. We are so proud of him and look forward to his next challenge!”

Having raised £2000 in June through his multi-record breaking stand-up paddleboard adventure across the longest lakes in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, David set himself a target of a further £1000 for his Thames escapade. But he’s not there yet!

You can support David by visiting his JustGiving page here.

• David fits his stand-up paddleboard and fitness training around a full-time role with Penal Reform Solutions, researching issues relating to the mental health of young people in the Criminal Justice System. Penal Reform Solutions inspired David’s passion for reform and rehabilitation through the power of sport during his second prison term in HMP Guys Marsh which ended in April 2020.