By Ben Bradley: Trentham Canoe Club members and Staffordshire University students are to kayak down the River Dove in honour of the club’s instructor who died on a walking holiday.

Seven students will team up with TCC members for 11 miles this Sunday March 21 in memory of Ruth Holdway who collapsed and died in Madeira before Christmas.

And money raised in the event will be donated to Sport Relief after Ruth raised thousands of pounds for charity, despite suffering Hodgkin’s Disease.

A spokesman for British Canoe Union said: “Ruth was Community Sports Coach at Stafford and Stone Canoe Club and Trentham Canoe Club.

“She had worked for the British Canoe Union since April 2005 and had recently taken up the challenge of a new Disability Officer role.

“She was instrumental in introducing hundreds of young people to canoeing in the local area.

“Her determination, drive and sheer commitment to Paddlesport has resulted in the development of a New Club House at Trentham.

“Which without Ruth’s fund raising and marketing skills this would still be on the drawing board.”

One of the students participating Matt Cunningham, said: “Ruth did many fund-raising events so we thought that this would be the best way to honour her name.

“There are seven of us from the university going and quite a few others, who are just going for a bit of fun.

“The river is only open for two days a year so I’m quite looking forward to it.”

Sport Relief (March 19-21) coincides with one of the two days that the river is open during the year.

It is hoped the kayakers can raise around £200 for charity. So far they have managed to raise £105.50.

You can sponsor the challenge by clicking here.