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Help float our boat

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

Help float our boat

Jun 3 2003

South London Press

FEARLESS surfers planning a risky dash from Cuba to Florida have have run into rocky waters - they can't find sponsorship.

South Londoner Monty Young hopes to raise thousands for charity as he and three mates cross shark-infested depths on 16ft paddle boards.

Flights are booked, boards are waxed and TV crews from Transworld Sport are on standby.

But Team Cuba faces a dilemma just weeks before they set out because they can't find the funding.

Kind-hearted pals and partners have already pledged thousands of pounds to Cancer Research UK if the surfers make the 90-mile dash across the Florida Straits.

Monty, 34, from Kennington Lane, said: "It's so disappointing - no one's interested.

"We've contacted so many companies with a surf connection but they don't seem to want to know.

"We need about £10,000. I mean, it's in aid of a good cause after all!"

Monty, who works for a security company, says firms abroad have been a lot more forthcoming.

Specialist technicians in Australia have designed unique sonic anti-shark devices, created specifically for Team Cuba's crossing in July.

For months the hardened surfers - Monty, Jason DeGroot, 36, David Smart, 36, and Jimmy McKenzie, 35 - have been building up their strength by training on the Thames.

Monty said: "We're fit and ready to go. We've got most of the equipment sorted, we've got our airfares, but we need to fund a boat to travel with us, which costs between $5,000 and $8,000.

"Then we want to fund a film crew too.

"Obviously we're not going to dip into the charity cash we've raised, so we're going to have to stump up most of it ourselves."

Monty says Team Cuba has even offered to make similar trips in Britain to raise the profile and attract sponsorship.

"We'll paddle almost anywhere if people will back us. How about the length of the Thames?"

If you can help Team Cuba, call 020-7582 8446 or Emma Carlisle at Cancer Research UK on 020-7061 8556.

(posted 7604 days ago)

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