Weaver by Cow

Residents along the River Weaver enjoyed an unforgettable sight as Jerry Marshall completed his remarkable challenge, paddling a giant inflatable cow the length of the River Weaver Navigation to raise funds and awareness for projects tackling poverty in Burundi.

The challenge, called Weaver by Cow, raised support for enterprise-based solutions to poverty, helping some of the world's poorest communities create sustainable income streams that put food on the table while maintaining dignity and reducing dependence.

Over the course of 22-23 August, Jerry paddled from near Winsford to Marsh Lock near Runcorn. Battling the elements and the demands of a long-distance river journey, he completed the epic paddle with determination, resilience and good humour.

The unusual challenge attracted attention across Cheshire and beyond, providing plenty of memorable moments as the inflatable cow made its way along the river. Supporters followed the journey online and many came out to cheer Jerry on from the riverbanks.

Jerry, founder of the Cheshire-based charity Transformational Enterprise Network, undertook the challenge to support the work of partners Ezechiel and Nicola in Burundi, who lead projects focused on helping families escape poverty through sustainable enterprise.

Their work has faced significant financial pressures, including the painful decision to sell family cows to cover essential costs. Inspired by their commitment and sacrifice, Jerry set out on a challenge that was every bit as extraordinary as the cause it supported.

This is Jerry's story:

On 22 and 23 August, I paddled the entire 20-mile length of the River Weaver Navigation in Cheshire... on an inflatable cow.

It sounds completely ridiculous, and perhaps it was. But behind the madness was a serious purpose: raising funds to support the work of Ezechiel and Nicola in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world.

The idea came after I heard how Daniel had cried when his parents sold their cows to help support their ministry. Ezechiel and Nicola lead both a charity and a social enterprise that focus on long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty. Their work helps people develop income streams, support their families, send children to school and grow businesses that create jobs, hope and opportunity. They even run a national conference called Come and Meet Your Business Partner, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with investors.

A number of us had already contributed to meet urgent needs, and I had helped restructure some activities to prevent further losses. As my 69th birthday approached, I decided to launch Weaver-by-Cow as a fundraising challenge to help move their work forward.

So I bought an inflatable cow called Daisy and began training. Core exercises, daily paddling and plenty of determination became part of everyday life.

Setting Off

My daughter Jo arrived on Friday afternoon with her husband Elisha and our grandchildren, Zac (5) and Miriam (3). Together with my wife Sue, they formed the support crew aboard our narrowboat, Still Waters. We loaded up an inflatable dinghy, paddleboard and bicycle and made our way towards the starting point.

At 8.30am on 22 August, I pushed off from Marsh Lock near Runcorn, close to the Manchester Ship Canal. Fifteen hours of paddling later, spread across two days, I finally reached Winsford Marina at 5.30pm on 23 August.

Just ten minutes into the journey, my spirits were lifted by the sight of a drone overhead. Nathan Lever of Cheshire Eye in the Sky and his family had come out to follow the challenge and capture footage from above.

A Near Disaster

The whole venture very nearly came to an abrupt end on the first afternoon.

I was making good progress towards Dutton Lock with a helpful tailwind behind me. Still Waters was some distance back when Sue rang to tell me the narrowboat had broken down.

The dinghy was sent to tow Daisy back. After trying a few things ourselves, we called River Canal Rescue. Their engineer, PJ, arrived in record time, diagnosed a faulty fuel pump and, amazingly, had a spare with him.

Against all odds, we were soon back underway.

We then raced for Dutton Locks, where lock keeper Bob kindly kept the lock open beyond the normal final entry time so we could get through. After the lock, I climbed back onto Daisy and continued paddling to Acton Bridge.

"My Grandad Is Coming on a Cow!"

Sunday dawned bright and beautiful.

A neighbour joined me by kayak for part of the journey. It quickly became obvious that while he glided along effortlessly, I was working considerably harder. Inflatable cows, it turns out, are not especially hydrodynamic.

At Saltersford Lock, volunteer lock keeper Martin recruited Zac as his assistant. Zac took his responsibilities very seriously, especially when it came to pressing the large buttons.

Throughout the trip he delighted fellow boaters and passers-by by announcing: "My Grandad is coming on a cow!"

We paused for coffee at Anderton and lunch at Northwich. Everything was going smoothly until Hunts Lock.

As I transferred from Daisy onto the narrowboat, she became caught on the rudder and suffered a long tear down her side. Fortunately, I had purchased a backup cow just a week earlier. While we passed through the lock, Daisy was retired and Maisy the reserve cow was inflated into service.

Finding Strength to Finish

It was a real encouragement to see our vicar, Paul Withington, and his wife Georgina, who came to Hunts and Vale Royal to cheer us on. Their timing was impeccable because they were also able to give Jo a lift home so she could collect her car and meet us at the finish.

The stretch between Hunts and Vale Royal proved harder than expected, with headwinds slowing progress. By the time I reached Vale Royal Lock, I was exhausted. My back was hurting, I was close to tears and all I wanted was to get to Winsford for a meal with my wonderful family.

But a mile later, after some time aboard Still Waters and the restorative power of an Oreo ice cream, my spirits returned. I climbed back onto Maisy and tackled the final two miles.

They seemed to take forever.

Yet the closing stretch of the Weaver was stunning. The first hints of autumn were appearing along the riverbanks, and the beauty of the landscape carried me forward.

Moments of Grace

Arriving at Winsford Marina felt extraordinary.

I was welcomed by Jim Mole, Chairman of the River Weaver Navigation Society, and his wife Sarah. Lisa Lacking was also there, having apparently told "everyone at Asda" about the challenge and armed with a camera to document the finish.

Looking back, the whole thing felt slightly mad, but I genuinely sensed God's presence throughout the journey.

Whenever I became discouraged, something would happen to lift my spirits. There was applause from riverbanks, often from people who had heard about the challenge through social media. There was the flash of a kingfisher. There were generous donations arriving at just the right moment. There was even a card from everyone at our church Tuesday Café.

As I paddled, I kept myself going by singing a song I had written for Café Church. My wife had already rejected it as being rather too cheesy. Sung to the tune of The Wombles, it begins:

"Underground, overground, the church of God grows..."

and finishes with:

"Remember, 'member, 'member what a follower of Jesus you are!"

Thankfully, I don't think too many people heard.

More Than £3,000 Raised

So far, Weaver-by-Cow has raised more than £3,000, with Gift Aid increasing that total further. The fundraising page remains open, and every donation helps support sustainable, life-changing work in Burundi.

As for unusual adventures, this is not my first. Earlier this summer I helped a friend sail across the English Channel in a 29-foot yacht during storm force 10 gusts. Next month I will be helping my nephew cross the Channel in the same boat before he begins an epic cycle ride from Land's End all the way towards Russia's Pacific coast.

Compared with that, paddling a cow down the Weaver almost seems normal. Almost.

And now the big question remains:

What should I do for my 70th birthday next year?