Kayakers raise rivers of cash

IT WAS a difficult end for those involved in this year’s Paddle for Life fundraising event, as kayakers battled against the tide in a bid to get back to land.

Marathon effort: Katrina Limbert, of Uralba, arrives in Ballina after participating in the Paddle for Life. Picture: Doug Eaton

IT WAS a difficult end for those involved in this year’s Paddle for Life fundraising event, as kayakers battled against the tide in a desperate bid to get back to dry land.

Uralba woman Katrina Limbert, 26, has done the Lismore to Ballina paddle six times.

“It’s tough, but it feels so good once you’ve finished it,” she said.

“We really struggled in the last bit, because the tide was against us.

“My dad had to lift me out of my kayak – my legs were like jelly.”

The event, which raises money for the Summerland Early Intervention Program and Southern Cross LADS, has special meaning for Katrina.

She was born with a hip condition, but the Summerland Early Intervention Program helped her to walk.

“I am very grateful,” she said.

“It’s a charity which is very close to my heart.

“Southern Cross LADS is also very important, and most people know someone who has been killed or hurt in a car crash.”

About 50 kayakers completed the 92km journey on the Wilsons and Richmond rivers over three days.

While enjoying a hard-earned sausage sizzle put on by the East Ballina Lions yesterday, many pledged to do it all again next year.

Originally published as Kayakers raise rivers of cash