Roll-up for longboard marathon

LONGBOARD skateboarders are invited to join in a board run from Plymouth to Polperro to raise money for two charities.

Stewart Lees, owner of the Liquid Boards shop in Devonport, has organised the Plymouth to Polperro Longboard push to raise money for both Scoot-A-Long, and St Luke's Hospice.

Scoot-A-Long raises money to buy special all terrain scooters and wheelchairs to enable disabled adults and children to take trips they may not ordinarily make in the South West.

Stewart, aged 33, is also organising a bus service to ferry people to Polperro to enjoy a day out and support the boarders.

The 26-mile push will start at 8.30am on October 18 outside the shop, on 39 Marlborough Street in Devonport.

Children will also join in the longboarding push along the marshalled route, which will have safety cars at the front and rear, until the group reaches the Torpoint ferry.

The boarders expect to arrive in Polperro at around 3pm.

Stewart added that the bus will leave from outside the shop at 9.30am and said: "At the end of the push there'll be the opportunity to jump off the pier into the water."

He said that anyone with experience of longboarding and with a reasonable level of fitness could take part – and St John's Ambulance will be on hand to help anyone requiring first aid.

There would also be watering spots along the route, he said.

So far, around 45 people have put their names down to take part on the dedicated 'Plymouth to Polperro Longboard Push' Facebook page so far – and two disabled fundraisers were also taking part in the run, he added. Stewart said they had been raising sponsorship for the last two weeks, and pubs in Polperro would have collection tins for donations on the day.

"Anyone who would like a nice day out in Polperro can get the bus, and there'll be live entertainment at the end. It should be fun."

The return bus fare is £5 per person to Polperro, £8 for a couple, and £8 for a family with one or two children.

Anyone interested in taking part or wanting more information can call Liquid Boards on 01752 607198, email stew@liquidboards.co.uk or visit the dedicated Facebook page.

To make a donation, click the Paypal donation link on www.liquidboards.co.uk.

The longboarders practice on Plymouth Hoe every Tuesday from 6pm until late with skateboarders, rollerbladers and others. Anyone interested in giving it a try can just show up, even if they don't have their own equipment. Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.