02 Oct 2006 | Ref. 271/2006
Cowes, United Kingdom. - BAE Systems employee Pete Owen, based at the Company’s site at Cowes, took part in the Paddle for Life kayak expedition around the Isle of Wight earlier this month in aid of the charity "Dreams Come True" for children suffering from severe or terminal illnesses.
Pete, who works as Industrial Engineering Manager at BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte) in Cowes was one of seven taking part in the event, which attracted support from kayakers from all around the country. His hard paddling helped raised over £240 for the charity and, as part of the Company-wide Charity Challenge scheme, BAE Systems also donated £250 to the cause.
Paddle for Life took place between 15th and 17th September 2006 and involved a three-stage route: Fishbourne to Yarmouth, Yarmouth to Ventnor and Ventnor to Fishbourne. The weather conditions were good and the total paddling time was 18 hours - 5 hours less than expected.
Pete Owen said: "The event was a marvellous experience, albeit a bit of a challenge. The scenery around the "back of the Wight" was unbelievable when viewed from a different perspective and this helped to make light of the 60 miles course. The aching arms have all been worthwhile as support for colleagues at Cowes has raised over £500 for the Dreams Come True."
Paddle for Life is a charity event aimed at raising sponsorship and donations for Cancer Research UK, Dreams Come True and The Amazon School Project. The event is also aimed at raising the profile of Canoeing and Kayaking for the Island Games on the Isle of Wight in 2011 and the Olympics the following year. For further information on the event, please visit www.paddleforlife.co.uk
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded GB £15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005.
For further information, please contact:
Sue Kennard, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1276 603265 Mob: +44 (0) 7801 712739
sue.kennard@baesystems.com
Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934 Mob: +44 (0) 7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
