A 25-YEAR-old woman from Broadstone has made a splash by successfully completing a Bournemouth charity’s 25th anniversary challenge in a rather unusual way.

Charlotte Homer decided to take on Forest Holme Hospice’s 25km For 25 Years fundraising challenge but rather than running, cycling or swimming the distance, she opted to do it by paddle boarding from Sandbanks to Bournemouth Pier and back twice, raising £565 in the process.

However, due to poor weather conditions, Charlotte was forced to complete the challenge across two separate days and because of the rough seas and strong winds, she ended up completing 30km in total.

She said: “After completing the first leg from Sandbanks to Bournemouth Pier and back, the sea began to get rough. Although I was determined to make the last leg, the conditions made it impossible to get anywhere, so eventually I decided to finish the last section another day.”

Paul Tucker, Fundraising Manager at Forest Holme, said: “Our 25km For 25 Years challenge has proved really popular this year, with people of all ages and abilities getting involved.

However, Charlotte is the first person to do it by paddle boarding the distance and we are all very impressed by her determination to complete it despite the adverse weather conditions. We are all so grateful for her support.”

Charlotte decided to support Forest Holme Hospice, which provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in Dorset, as it is a cause very close to her heart.

Charlotte continued: “Forest Holme looked after my lovely nanny and the staff treated her and us like family, which I’m eternally grateful for. They made the whole experience more bearable and the nature of care and wellbeing is something I have never seen before, which is the reason I chose to raise money for them.”

Anyone interested in participating in Forest Holme Hospice’s 25km For 25 years can register for free via 25kmfor25.eventbrite.co.uk