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Lauren on Striding Edge in the Lake District in 2010
by Jenni Horn
Lauren Richardson is only seven, but she is set for the biggest challenge of her already packed life.
Today she and her father will set off to kayak a mammoth journey spanning nine days.
So far in her young adventurer's career, Lauren has already kayaked along the River Medway in a the middle of a thunderstorm, climbed some of the highest mountains in England and completed a 120-mile canoe trip.
Now, the Hoo St Werburgh pupil will be attempting to canoe 135 miles down the River Thames.
She will be paddling up to eight hours a day with her dad Kevin.
Lauren Richardson during a 120-mile canoe trip on the Thames last year
The father and daughter team, of Vidgeon Avenue, Hoo, will set off today in Cricklade, near Swindon, and hope to reach Teddington Lock next Sunday.
The journey will take nine days to complete and they will be camping every night at either locks or campsites along the river.
Kevin, 47, said: “It is going to be quite a tough challenge.
“As well as having to deal with whatever the weather throws at us, we will have to deal with many hazards on the journey, from fallen trees, territorial swans, narrow boats, rowing boats and over 40 locks.”
Lauren and her dad are raising money for the Widehorizons Trust, a charity which gives underprivileged children the chance to enjoy adventure activities.
Kevin works at one of the charity’s centres in Wrotham.
Lauren said: “I get to do lots of adventures with my daddy but there are lots of children that don’t get the chance to do adventurous things.
“That’s why I want to raise money to help children.”
She added: “I’m really excited about the trip. I’m most looking forward to fishing for crayfish along the way.”
Lauren enjoyed her first trip in a canoe when she was just three and climbed her first mountain, Place Fell in the Lake District, when she was four.
Kevin said: “Lauren went on her first expedition when she was four months old, when we took her camping.
“When she could walk we started going out doing more adventurous stuff.”
Last year alone Lauren climbed five mountains, travelled 120 miles along the Thames in a canoe and spent a total of 31 nights in a tent.
Later this year, Lauren will attempt to climb Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England and hopes to canoe along the Caledonian canal in Scotland, from Fort William to Inverness.
Kevin added: “Lauren has already inspired many people on her adventures and hopefully, will inspire many more.”
