When the Olympic flame flutters and dies in August, one man will still be battling his way towards his own personal 'gold'. Isle of Man businessman Chris Allix will be paddling his kayak en route from Douglas to Monaco, a 2,000 mile haul along the canal and river systems of Britain and France - plus the Irish Sea and the English Channel - all in aid of five children's charities.
Chris has been in training since last year, braving the weather in in the Irish Sea as well as the white waters of the Lake District, honing his fitness and technique. As part of his preparation he has paddled the full 165 miles of the coast to coast Liverpool to Leeds canal linking the Mersey with the Humber and most recently over 200 miles from Ellesmere Port to Oxford. He plans to complete the Devizes to Westminster race this year after which he will be ready to embark on his very own Olympian-style challenge of a lifetime.
Despite some caution from his family and friends, Chris, 59, will not rest until he has completed his goal and arrived in time for the prestigious Monaco Yacht show in September. Not that he has thrown caution to the wind, he has set up a team of helpers and experts to guide him and accompany him on his long journey, particularly when he crosses the English Channel where there are rules and regulations to follow.
Director of the Douglas-based ICM Group, Chris has a close relationship with the sea and Monaco through his well-established company Dominion Marine Corporate Services*, which provides ownership structures to yacht and superyacht owners. Chris told us:
"I plan to leave the Island around June 16th, weather dependent of course. I am expecting the journey to take three months. The Monaco Show opens in The Principality on September 19th and I want to be there in time for the opening."
Key to the success of the project, apart from Chris's sheer determination against all the odds to realize his lifetime personal challenge, is the willingness of sponsors to back him for the benefit of five charities. These are: Sailing for the Disabled (Isle of Man), Namaste Childrens Home (Nepal), Outward Bound Trust (Monaco), Encompass Trust (UK) and the ICM Charitable Trust (Isle of Man). He has already received promises of backing from colleagues in the yachting world to help achieve his target. Chris has set up a website under the banner 'Man to Monaco'. Apart from providing route details, regular information and updates, it also appeals for corporate and individual sponsors.
"I know this is a very personal challenge," he continued, "but I do so much want to bring help to the charities I have nominated. The world is a harsh place right now and anything we can do to improve the lives of children must be worthwhile."
For more information on how to donate visit: www.mantomonaco.com.
