Pitched Returns as Sponsor of Joe Way Paddle for Life in Newquay

Here’s the article reworked to flow naturally from that title, leading with the sponsorship angle:

Pitched Returns as Sponsor of Joe Way Paddle for Life in Newquay

Cornwall-based creative company Pitched has returned as an official sponsor of the Joe Way Paddle for Life, donating £500 for the second consecutive year to an event that is now closing in on £195,000 raised for charity.

The connection between Pitched and the Way family stretches right back to the very start of the story in 2008.

A Website Built in Tribute

Ian Chambers, co-director of Pitched, built Joe Way’s first website following Joe’s passing. That original site remains live today in its original form, continuing to tell Joe’s story and preserve his memory for people around the world.

Nearly 5 years later, a second website dedicated specifically to the Joe Way Paddle for Life was created by Scott Dickinson, along with the well-known paddle logo and branding. Scott’s work helped the event continue to grow and reach new generations of supporters.

From £2,000 Target to Nearly £195,000

Matt Way said the support from Ian and Pitched goes back to the earliest days of the fundraising journey.

“After Joe died, Ian and I spent many evenings talking about ways we could raise money in Joe’s memory and turn something devastating into something positive for the community,” said Matt.

“The RNLI lifeguards organised the very first paddle from Watergate Bay to Newquay Harbour in Joe’s memory, and that became the start of the Joe Way Memorial Cup and eventually the Joe Way Paddle for Life.”

What started as a simple idea between friends quickly gathered momentum.

“At first we thought maybe we could raise £2,000, then perhaps £5,000, and eventually we set ourselves a target of £10,000,” Matt explained.

“But within the first 50 weeks, more than £42,000 had already been raised through an incredible effort from family, friends, local businesses and the wider community.”

Support came from every corner of the community, from large fundraising events down to small local efforts that raised just a few hundred pounds.

“People gave what they could,” Matt added. “Some donated everything they had, businesses stepped in to help, and every single fundraiser mattered.”

The events, paddles and fundraising efforts started by Ian and Matt in Joe’s memory have now raised more than £188,000 for over 20 different charities.

Two Generations and a Trip to the Moon

The Joe Way Paddle for Life has grown into a community tradition in Newquay, with two generations of children now taking part and celebrating Joe’s life over 18 years.

The movement has even reached across the globe through Joe’s travelling banner, which supporters carried with them on their worldwide adventures to clock up miles in Joe’s memory. The combined distance travelled eventually reached the equivalent of travelling from Earth to the Moon.

2026 Paddle Set for June

The 2026 Joe Way Paddle for Life takes place on Thursday 18th June at Newquay Harbour from 3pm and is expected to once again bring together surfers, paddleboarders, lifeguards, families, businesses and supporters from across Cornwall and beyond.

Organisers thanked Pitched not only for their sponsorship this year but for the friendship Ian showed back in 2008 that helped launch what has become a lasting community legacy in Joe’s memory.

To find out more about the paddle visit joewaypaddle.co.uk, and to read Joe’s story visit joeway.co.uk.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the Joe Way Paddle for Life or donating prizes to the online draw can contact the organising team at [email protected] or call Matt on 07761 078454.