THE community is gearing up for the return of a popular paddle fundraiser held in Newquay.

The Joe Way paddle for life charity event will be held at Newquay Harbour on Thursday, June 26 between 4.30pm and 8.30pm after a break of five years.

Various paddle races will be staged at the event organised in partnership with Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club and Surf Life Saving Cornwall including the RNLI beach lifeguards memorial paddle.

The event will get underway with skydivers from Cornwall Skydive flying Joe’s flag and landing on Towan Beach.

There will also be live music with Lee Quinney sings, Oll an Gwella, Amplify, DJ sets along with charity and food stands.

The Paddle for Life team has raised over £180,000 for more than 20 different charities after staging 11 annual ‘Paddles’ and nearly 100 other fundraising events.

The fundraisers are held in memory of Newquay boy Joe Way who was born with a rare genetic condition called Angelman’s Syndrome and died on May 7, 2008, aged four. He had been labelled a miracle boy after surviving meningitis, a potentially deadly skin reaction Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and survived numerous superbugs. He sadly died of complete organ failure after suffering from SJS for a second time.

Joe’s Dad, Matt, who is a member of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club said: “The last event was so good, we were nervous to go for it again.

“However, the Lions and Surf Lifesaving Cornwall were fully in favour as were previous Paddle supporters as well as new supporters. It’s always been a fun community event and a great way to celebrate Joe’s short but impactful life.”

An online draw has been organised to raise funds, which includes prizes such as a signed guitar from singer songwriter James Morrison, an original Doug Hinge painting of Newquay harbour as well as signed canvas prints of surf legends, Ben Skinner, Tom Butler and current UK champion Lukas Skinner.

To enter the draw visit: go.rallyup.com/joewaypaddleforlife2025