Windsor man takes part in world's toughest kitesurfing challenge to raise money for Alexander Devine

A watersports enthusiast is preparing to take part in the world's toughest kitesurfing challenge to raise money for the Alexander DevineChildren's Hospice Service (ADCHS).

Jon Bushnell, from Bolton Road in Windsor, will take part in Red Bull’s ‘Coast 2 Coast’ challenge, kitesurfing a return route from Germany to the coast of Denmark on September 19.

The 29-year-old, who works at Relocation Support Services in St Luke's Road, Maidenhead, became interested in kitesurfing after spending his childhood flying kites with his dad, Chris, on the coast of Cornwall.

He decided to take part in the Baltic Sea challenge after seeing images from the 2013 challenge.

“I saw it advertised and thought 'why not?' It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Jon said he is more excited than nervous and has been training by going wakeboarding to get his body used to the additional force.

However, his family were not as excited when they first found out.

He said: “I let them know I was going to do it and the first thing they said was ‘are you crazy?'”

Jon, who grew up in Cookham, is no stranger to adrenaline sports with his other hobbies including snowboarding and wakeboarding.

He will be joined on the day by his girlfriend Natalie, who will be supporting him from the coast.

The race starts on Fehmarn, Germany and runs 40km though the Baltic Sea.

Jon has so far raised £100 but hopes to raise at least £500 for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

He is competing in the challenge along with 600 people and hopes to finish the race in 1 hour 40 minutes.

Visit www.justgiving.com/kiteGermany2Denmark