Seasoned fundraiser Bryce Alford set off on his ‘Brave the Waves’ journey in aid of Headway at 06:00 on Saturday 2 July from the slipway at West Park.
While Bryce was the key driver, he benefited throughout from a rotating crew of ‘co-pedalers’, as well as a team supporting by his side, captained by Alex Scott and assisted by Gabriel Raimondo.
Pictured: Bryce said he took comfort in spotting past local landmarks during his pedalo journey.
The journey wasn’t a straightforward one, with Bryce coming up against several challenges.
“Blessed with a good forecast for the morning we made steady progress, but the weather and the sea can be unforgiving and must be treated with great respect,” he explained.
“…Picture yourself faced by an increasing swell and the water breaking over the front.
“This is what faced us now as we made our way along the North Coast passing Bouley Bay with Grosnez pointing the way ahead.
“The effort required here was unlike anything else I have felt before and I had to keep checking we were still making progress by looking back, as we slowly but surely left Bonne Buit Bay behind us.”
Pictured: A well-deserved champagne finish.
Fortunately, conditions became more favourable as the team pushed towards St. Ouen.
Bryce said that seeing the “iconic monuments that define Jersey” along his journey became “comforting”. Corbiere Lighthouse was a particular “beacon of hope”.
Recalling the final stretch, he said: “Despite knowing we had broken the back of the most challenging conditions, by now my body was telling me I was pushing myself to the limits.
“The uncompromising position of pedalling a craft like this offers no room for error and my left knee had started to become noticeably delicate and susceptible to any unusual movement.
“For the remaining couple of hours my focus would be on keeping my knee perfectly aligned with my foot. Any deviation could mean the end of the challenge.”
Bryce completed the challenge, which was documented live on Facebook, in 10 hours and 30 minutes.
He is currently just under half way to his target of £10,000 for Headway, and hopes islanders will help make the final push.
