David Haze becomes Ambassador for Alliance of Sport

The Alliance of Sport has named David Haze as an Ambassador after his recent multi-world record breaking feats to raise money for the charity.

David set new world records for stand-up paddle boarding across the longest lakes in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales in an epic four-day ‘Paddling 4 Change’ adventure which raised well over £2000 to support our work in promoting the power of sport in criminal justice.

As well as becoming an Ambassador, David is set to take a place on our new advisory board that is due to be up and running soon.

David, who finished a second jail term in April 2020, was inspired by working with Penal Reform Solutions whilst in prison. His mission now is to raise awareness of the importance of reform and rehabilitation and promote the use of sport as a tool for rehabilitation from a life of crime.

His next adventure is to stand-up paddle board along the non-tidal section of the River Thames, from Lechlade to Teddington Lock, a distance of 208km. He is aiming for a time of 36 hours non-stop, without rest or sleep.

Thank you to everyone…#sup #challenges #adventures pic.twitter.com/NKUoPeHLYA

— Nomadic Paddler (@nomadicpaddler) June 20, 2021

Before that he is ‘warming up’ by doing the National Three Peaks challenge in August (climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) inside 24 hours.

In a blog for one of his sponsors, Bamboo Clothing, David wrote: “At times it is hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I was still sitting in a prison cell just over a year ago surrounded by so much failure and negativity.

“I have come so far and achieved so much despite the struggles we have all faced globally and this is why I also want to use Paddling 4 Change as an opportunity to raise both money and awareness for the Alliance of Sport, who use the power of sport in the criminal justice system to help tackle reform and rehabilitation, something that is particularly important to me.”

James Mapstone, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Alliance of Sport, said: “David’s fundraising efforts so far have been truly extraordinary and we are honoured to have him as an Ambassador.

“He is a perfect example of the power of physical activity and sport to change people’s mindset and entire lives for the better. We cannot wait to follow his progress in all his forthcoming adventures.”

Follow David’s adventures on Twitter at @nomadicpaddler