Durham Regatta is proud to hold its inaugural Pedalo race between Mr Matt Bailey (left), award winning BBC Radio Newcastle Breakfast Time Host, and Mr Andrew Stephens, Head of the Durham Regatta Race and Technical Committee.

The challenge was made after hearing how Matt had successfully pedalled a Pedalo the distance of the Great North run last year to raise money for charity. Given that Durham Regatta has been at the heart of some of the greatest waterborne races ever witnessed in the North East and attracts the elite of the rowing community from far and wide to compete, what could be a more fitting place to hold such a prestigious Pedalo race!

Radio Acadamy Award winner 2024 Matt Bailey

In addition to the sheer excitement that the race is bound to generate, Matt and Andrew will be raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

The GNAAS rescues hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year throughout the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. Their doctor-led critical care teams deliver life-saving treatments at the scene of the incident whether that is on a fell top, a roadside or in a city centre. The charity responded to 1,640 call outs last year* alone, via their helicopter and emergency response vehicles, where they performed treatments and procedures which can mean the difference between life or death.

Special thanks to Ocean Beach Pleasure Park South Shields for lending us two of their Pedalos.

The race is scheduled to take place over a short course in the break between divisions 1 and 2, around lunchtime on Saturday, June 8th.

May the best man win!

Donations in aid of the GNAAS will be gratefully received at JustGiving.