Joe Way Paddle for Life 2025 Raises £5,380 for Charities

Published On: 15 September 2025Last Updated: 15 September 2025By CornishStuff

The Joe Way Paddle for Life 2025 made a spectacular comeback at Newquay Harbour, raising over £5,380 for charities, with more donations still coming in.

The event, held in memory of four-year-old Newquay boy Joe, who passed away in 2008, drew in crowds for an afternoon and evening of fundraising, competitions, and live entertainment.

Remembering Joe’s Story

Joe was born with a rare genetic condition and became known as a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, the rare Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and several superbugs. Despite many courageous fights, he passed away after suffering SJS for a second time, which caused his organs to fail.

Since his passing, parents Matt and Claire Way have raised money for more than 20 causes in his name, largely through the Paddle for Life. To date, the annual events have generated over £187,000.

Highlights from the 2025 Event

This year marked the thirtieth Paddle for Life and its first return after a five-year break due to Covid and family illness. The afternoon began with a thrilling display as six skydivers leapt from 10,000ft, landing to applause from the crowd. Members of the Cornish Parachute Club, including Ben Wood, Dave Wood, Olly Denham, and Ralph Mitchell, wowed the audience before being picked up by Cornwall Surf Life Saving.

Spectators were also treated to a flyby from pilot Chris Fowler and another from the Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter.

As the evening set in, live music created a carnival atmosphere, with performances from Ash Harding, Oll An Gwella, Newquay Rowing Club Male Voice Choir, and DJs from Amplify Southwest, including Joe’s sister, Rosie Way.

The event, organised with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall, also featured food stalls, drinks at the rowing club, and a raffle with standout prizes including a signed guitar from singer James Morrison and a painting by artist Doug Hinge.

The Paddles and Prizes

Children of all ages joined the paddle races, with commentary from Anton Roberts and live coverage on Radio Newquay. The relay was won by Newquay Surf Life Saving Club, while the inspirational paddler award went to Alfie Coleman-Smith for his achievements with Newquay Surf Life Savers.

The highest fundraiser recognition went to Sam for organising this year’s online draw.

In one of the most competitive RNLI races yet, the “Manns” team took home the Joe Way Memorial Cup, presented by Matt in honour of the legacy started by Fistral lifeguards in 2008.

Supporting Charities

Thanks were given to the volunteers and support staff who made the event possible, along with the charities running stalls on the day. This year’s donations were shared among multiple organisations, including:

Newquay Surf Life Saving – £500
Lusty Surf Life Saving – £500
Children’s Hospice Southwest – £600
Cornwall Surf Life Saving – £500
Watergate Surf Life Saving – £250
The Wave Project – £600
Surfers Against Sewage – £600
Penhaligon’s Friends – £600
Cornwall Air Ambulance – £600
Amplify SW DJ for Kids – £100
Guts Stoma Charity – £180
Purple Angels – £100
Ronald McDonald House Bristol – £250

Total donated: £5,380

Looking Back and Ahead

Matt Way said, “After five years of not running the event, the team and family felt that it was the right time to relaunch the event, to celebrate what would have been Joe’s 21st birthday last September. So many people have enjoyed this event as kids and now have returned as adults, some with their own children; it is so uplifting for us as a family that we can celebrate Joe’s short but impactful life.”

To see photos from the 2025 Joe Way Paddle for Life and read the latest updates, visit www.joewaypaddle.co.uk