Sussex Man to Paddleboard Across English Channel for Children’s Cancer Research in Memory of Daughter
A Sussex man is preparing to take on a grueling challenge to raise funds for children’s cancer research in memory of his 10-year-old daughter.
Jamie BartlettBundy, from Hassocks, will be paddleboarding across the English Channel to raise money for research into childhood cancer. The challenge, known as “Paddle4Pearl”, will take place the week commencing August 4th, 2025.
Jamie’s daughter, Pearl, passed away in 2017 after being diagnosed with a form of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma. In her memory, Jamie and his wife Rachel set up the #PearlPower fund to support CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association. The fund has already raised over £125,000 for research into finding kinder and more effective treatments for childhood cancer.
This will be Jamie’s second paddleboarding adventure, having completed a 100km journey from Scotland’s west coast to its east during Storm Babet in 2023. He will be joined by his brother, John Bartlett, who has also taken part in other challenges for #PearlPower.
The 26.5 nautical-mile crossing will be a test of the brothers’ physical and mental endurance. Jamie has been training daily, including sessions with GBSUP (Great British Stand Up Paddleboard) to prepare for the journey. He has also been following a tough fitness regime to ensure he is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.
In an interview, Jamie said, “The challenge itself is physical and mental, so it’s about being prepared to take on whatever hits us. One of the hardest parts will be being out for such a long time, unable to come in for lunch, with land so far away.”
He also added, “I know it’ll be hard. But after seeing what my daughter and all those other children go through, and still smile, I feel like I’m paling in significance when compared to them.”
The money raised by #PearlPower has already funded two groundbreaking research projects, and the family has met with some of the researchers involved. Jamie says that knowing how the funds will be used is a driving force for him and his brother.
“Rachel and I have met with the scientists that we’ve put money towards, so you can see what’s going on. We know what it’s doing, and to see that it’s making a difference is remarkable. It’s tangible and a driving force as well,” he said.
Jamie began paddleboarding after his daughter’s death, and he says it has been a place to find acceptance. He added, “When you’re out on these long paddles, you’re just there with your own thoughts, with no interferences, coming to terms with things.”
His journey has been documented on social media, where he has received an overwhelming amount of support and well-wishes.
Vicki Brunt, CCLG’s Head of Fundraising, said, “We’re wishing Jamie and John the best of luck for their incredible challenge. We can’t thank them enough for their efforts, which will help us change the future for children with cancer.”
To follow Jamie’s journey or to donate, visit https://www.instagram.com/paddle4pearl/ or www.justgiving.com/page/paddle4pearl2025.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.