By Gillian Ellison

Published at 11:09, Thursday, 13 September 2012

SHE did it! The mother of two disabled teenagers set herself a gruelling kayak challenge and it’s mission accomplished.

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Speaking to The Whitehaven News after the epic journey, Dawn Raynor was emotional, tired – and glad it was over!

The hairdresser’s weekend involved kayaking 13 lakes, meres and waters in 48 hours to raise money for a £1million respite centre for Copeland.

Her passion to see the dream become a reality kept her going around the low points as she took on the challenge.

That, and of course, her children – 14-year-old twins Callan and Ethan, son Kaine – husband Peter and all her friends and family who gave their support.

“All I knew was I had a job to do and I have done it. I knew there would be an end in sight,” said Dawn. “Everyone who helped me has been incredible, the team I had around me, my family and friends.”

Callan and Ethan have tuberous sclerosis which means they have uncontrolled epilepsy, suffering many seizures every day. Dawn and her family know how important a local respite lifeline is for families.

“It’s all about the respite centre, I can’t express how much it means to me to have it in this area,” said Dawn.

“We have fought for years and I will do whatever I can to make it happen. I could not have done this without the people around me – the friends and family who have supported me.”

The Moor Row mother has raised thousands towards the Give Us A Break charity which she set up with a small group of like-minded women, all determined to make it happen. They have already raised £15,000.

She was trained and joined throughout the challenge by kayaker Martin Whitmill and his dog Charlie. For Charlie it is his last big challenge as he will be kayaking for pleasure from now on!

She also received huge help from Rob Scott and staff at Energy Solutions and her husband Peter.

Totally out of her comfort zone but always passionate about the cause, Dawn’s challenge also included kayaking at night and pushed her to the limits. Dawn started on Saturday at Loweswater and finished at Ennerdale on Monday evening.

“It went really well but I had a low time on Ullswater when I got a bit emotional. It was really hard work and I have never felt wind like it in all my life throughout the full length of the lake,” said Dawn.

“All I could think about was my three kids. I knew I had to do it. When you are so passionate about something you just have to do it.”Kayaking also during the night was an eerie experience. “It was quite scary and pitch black apart from our lights,” said Dawn who had a total of 10 hours sleep (in a camper van) throughout the 48-hour challenge.Dawn wants to thank everyone who has supported her and donated.

To pledge funds email Dawn at dawnraynor@btinternet.com or via the group on 07776 422980. Email giveusabreak@hotmail.co.uk. To donate online visit: http://bit.ly/SgxTM1

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk