Shattered Melton employee thanks supporters after conquering world's longest canoe and kayak race for charity

A determined Melton employee said he was '˜shot to pieces' after crossing the finish line of the longest canoe and kayak race in the world in aid of charity.
This photo was taken during Gary's pre-race preparation alongside the Yukon River EMN-160907-131232001This photo was taken during Gary's pre-race preparation alongside the Yukon River EMN-160907-131232001
This photo was taken during Gary's pre-race preparation alongside the Yukon River EMN-160907-131232001

Gary Postle, who works as a national key account manager for Melton firm Saint-Gobain PAM UK, was part of a team formed by one of his company’s major customers, Wolseley UK, which recently took part in the ‘Yukon River Quest - Race to the Midnight Sun’ in a bid to raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Held annually in the Yukon Province of North West Canada, the 444-mile non-stop race is considered to be one of the toughest challenges possible in the sporting calendar. As the world’s longest annual canoe and kayak race, it features on a list of the top 10 toughest races in the world.

The challenge was so demanding and draining, physically and mentally, that Gary lost his voice. Some 27 hours into their quest, upon reaching a mandatory stop at Carmacks, most of the team couldn’t stand without assistance or follow the most simple of instructions. One crew member needed urgent assistance as he was suffering with hypothermia.

But seven hours later all of the crew were back on their feet, determined to fight through the pain to finish their journey.

Along the way the team went without sleep and little food but after 60 gruelling hours of paddling they finally managed to conquer one of the toughest endurance races on the planet.

Gary said: “The courage shown by all to keep going, to not quit was phenomenal. This was one of the toughest endurance races on the planet and we are proud to have conquered it.

“The other fantastic news is that the team is on target to achieve its aim of raising £100,000 for Cancer Research UK. This should be surpassed at our ‘Hint of Blue’ Gala Ball which is taking place next week at Coombe Abbey in Coventry. My sincere thanks to my friends and family in Melton for their support.”

To donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=TeamYRQ&isTeam=true