Charity | Posted on September 4th, 2025 | return to news

Jon to kayak for 12 hours to raise funds for Dorset charity

Jon Gilbert is taking on the challenge to kayak for 12 hours to raise funds for Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity.

Kayaking for 12 hours in one day is quite a challenge, but it is one that Jon Gilbert is taking on in September to raise funds for Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability Charity.

Taking place in Poole Harbour and starting in Lake Pier, Jon will be kayaking up to 80 kilometres in one day to support children and adults with physical and learning disabilities in Dorset.

Jon Gilbert said: “One of the reasons I’m supporting the amazing folk at Diverse Abilities is in memory of my lovely mum. She was an NHS nurse and carer well into her 70s, who is much loved and greatly missed. Caring runs in my family. My wonderful sister Poppy was a Macmillan nurse, her daughter Lucy is a GP, my nephew Tom is training as a physio and his wife Emma is a district nurse. We were brought up to understand caring matters.

“I’ve supported Diverse Abilities events over the years and always wanted to do something more to help this incredible team who provide vital care and support to more than 2,000 children, adults and their families in Dorset. I had the pleasure recently to meet the team of wonderful carers at The Beehive and see first-hand the incredible caring work they all carry out and understand more about the breadth of services they provide in a very challenging financial climate. Meeting the team will be a huge motivator for me during my challenge.”

Jon is aiming to raise £875, which will fund a nurse for one week. Without dedicated and specialist nurses Diverse Abilities could not provide the level of support and care needed by the children and adults supported by the charity, who live with profound physical and learning disabilities and complex medical needs.

Sponsor Jon at justgiving.com/page/jon-gilbert-10, and find out more about the support provided by Diverse Abilities at diverseabilities.org.uk.