JOE COLE has revealed the real reason behind his epic cross-Channel charity kayak adventure. The former Chelsea midfielder said: “It’s the perfect excuse to get out of going to B&Q with the wife.” Cole, 37, sets off from the Kent coast at 6.30am – half an hour before his nearest DIY superstore opens its doors […]
JOE COLE has revealed the real reason behind his epic cross-Channel charity kayak adventure.
The former Chelsea midfielder said: “It’s the perfect excuse to get out of going to B&Q with the wife.”
Cole, 37, sets off from the Kent coast at 6.30am – half an hour before his nearest DIY superstore opens its doors this Bank Holiday Monday.
He will paddle a one-man canoe alongside mate Dave Horton more than 20 miles to France in what the three-times Premier League winner describes as ‘the toughest thing I’ve ever done.’
Cole is raising funds for Richard House Children’s Hospice in East London with whom he has enjoyed a 20-year relationship since his days as a West Ham trainee.
Ski instructor Dave has teamed up with Tree Of Hope to try to help pay for vital treatment for his son Will who has cerebral palsy.
He has promised to match all public donations pound for pound from his own pocket and has been training for four months for what the experts say should take between six and eight hours.
But Cole said: “I’ll just be happy to get across. It’s harder than anything I did in football. In football there is a sense of enjoyment in the team aspect and the competition.
I’m just hoping for decent weather on Monday because otherwise we’ll have to delay the crossing if it’s too rough and I know my wife will have loads of jobs for me to do at home.
Joe Cole
“With this it’s just slog, slog, slog. My arms, my core and not to mention my backside all suffer after sitting in a little boat for hours at a time.
“My mate Dave is a ski instructor and he mentioned to me about doing it. On a total whim I said ‘why not?’ And here we are.
“I’m just hoping for decent weather on Monday because otherwise we’ll have to delay the crossing if it’s too rough and I know my wife will have loads of jobs for me to do at home.”
The pair will cast off from Dungeness and go hard for two hours before allowing themselves a sugary treat to keep energy levels up. After a five minute break they’ll resume the rowing to finish the distance.
Cole added: “I’m told we’ll hit the wall after about 13 or 14 miles. But I’m determined to do it. I’ve been a patron of Richard House since I was 17. The work they do is incredible and they get little funding outside of charity.
“When you see the strain, physical, mental and financial strain put on the families who have to use the place it inspires you to do something.
“I want to do more than just donate. Now I’ve retired from playing football I can use my fitness to test myself and do some good. And avoid doing DIY.”
You can help Joe and Dave with their worthy causes while keeping your feet dry on his fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/kayakchallenge
