DONE!

Day 1: Just one hiccup - the support narrowboat broke down. Jerry was not far of Dutton lock then had to return to the narrowboat. Fortunately the broken fuel pump was replaced and then the whole party motored to Dutton (thanks Bob for waiting for us) before continuing the paddle. Back on schedule for day 2.

Day 2: Went well Sunday morning, got to Anderton and Northwich. Then I gashed the cow as I was climbing onto the narrowboat at Hunts Lock. Fortunately, I had a backup cow and continued to Vale Royal lock. I was exhausted and ready to give up, but revitalised by an Oreo ice cream I got back on the cow for the last two miles to Winsford. The support crew were great, with my 5-year-old grandson forewarning passers-by that "Grandad is coming on a cow!"  Thanks to the many who donated, encouraged and helped!

FUNDS RAISED SO FAR: £4,100 raised from 67 donations (8 Sep). 

Progress was reported as it happened on Facebook events, See event posts here

Watch a video summary: Cheshire Eye in the Sky video

Thank you everyone! You can still sponsor Jerry, see below

Weaver-by-Cow

Our wonderful partners in Burundi - Ezechiel and Nicola - sold all their cows to support their ministry. So... TEN founder Jerry Marshall plans to celebrate his 69th birthday in August by attempting a world first: paddling the entire 20 mile length of the River Weaver Navigation in Cheshire on an inflatable Cow. The aim is to raise funds to take this inspiring work onto the next level. 

Their social enterprise U-invest, charity Yada, and national conference "Come and meet your business partner" has developed an entire eco-system around enterprise based solutions to poverty: long term financially sustainable approaches that maintain dignity and avoid dependence. Their work ranges from training to enable the poorest groups to create an income stream to put food on the table and send kids to school, to comprehensive support for small and medium enterprises to bring jobs, hope and well being. There is more information on the project here.

The Weaver-by-cow plan is to paddle from Winsford Marina, where the navigation starts, to Marsh Lock, where the navigation joins the Manchester Ship Canal.

Early time trials indicate an achievable speed of 1.5 to 1.8 mph, depending on wind strength and direction. Against a strong gust, even when paddling hard, the cow completely stops. So it will be a significant physical challenge. Main power will be by paddle but there is a small circular sail that might be used if conditions allow. At locks, the cow will be on the support boat, transferring near the holding moorings on each side.

The forecast is a mainly W or NW wind so the plan  plan is to leave Marsh Lock at 8.30am for the first leg to Acton Bridge on Saturday 22 August and complete the journey on the 23rd.  See above for latest provisional timetable. If you are able, do join us from the towpath, from a paddleboard or other craft.

Jerry is a RYA Yachtmaster (Offshore) but hoping not to need his astro navigation experience. He is a member of Paddle UK, which means he is officially licenced to paddle a cow on the Weaver. And he is a committee member of the River Weaver Navigation Society. "If I can achieve this," he said, "I will be over the moon." Other bovine references are expected as he reports on the trip. 

Please sponsor this epic and gruelling journey, all for a good cause! See below.

Many thanks!

Sponsor this epic journey here!

You can also make monthly donations here or join TEN here.

Watch our the promo video on our LinkedIn page here.

Banner Photo: The River Weaver showing Saltersford Locks and the "Daniel Adamson", courtesy of Cheshire Eye in the Sky. Map courtesy of the River Weaver Navigation Society.

Jerry and Ezechiel's family cows in Burundi before they were sold to support Ezechiel and Nicola's brilliant ministry. 

This event does not aim to replace them, but to ensure their work has all the resources needed to flourish. 

The aim is to transform the lives of some of the poorest people on the planet, while maintaining dignity and avoiding dependence.