THREE school friends plan a daring windsurfing trip inspired by the legacy of Will Mackaness.

The pupils at Wey Valley School in Weymouth will sail from Portland to Overcombe in September.

Tom and Joe Wells and Louis Goldsworthy were all novices until they had lessons courtesy of the Will Mackaness Fund.

All the boys got free lessons from the trust through Windtek – and want other children to have the same chance.

Tom, 12, from Radipole, said: “I just wanted to give something back.

“Will’s mum Pam is my tutor and she is really nice and I wanted to support the trust as well.”

He added: “I’ve never been that far windsurfing before. I’m quite confident, but it’s a long way and hopefully I won’t be blown out to sea’”

Windtek is going to provide a safety boat on the day.

Tom will be joined by brother Joe, 11, and friend Louis, 12, from Preston.

He added: “I’m really looking forward to the Olympics. I want to be an Olympic windsurfer one day. I watch all the stuff on YouTube.”

Will’s mum Pam Govier said: “They started from nothing and are now confident enough to go four or five miles – that’s a really big challenge.”

Donations should be made payable to ‘Wey Valley School’, marked for the Will Mackaness account, and sent to The Wey Valley School and Sports College, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT3 5AN.

'Tough tasks in tribute'

TWO Weymouth men are braving the elements on a sponsored 94 mile cycle, 12 mile trek and five mile kayak.

Colin Campbell, 51 and Rob Thomas, 36, are tackling the triathlon in aid of a ‘watersports for kids’ trust, The Will Mackaness Fund.

The fund was set up in tribute to former Wey Valley head boy Will Mackaness, who died of a brain tumour aged 16.

The duo set off on their bicycles from Saunton Sands in Devon, before camping at Abbotsbury and walking to Ferrybridge at Portland.

They were due to finish their gruelling challenge today by kayaking from Ferrybridge to Overcombe Corner in Weymouth. Colin, who knew Will for several years as they played tennis, said: “I really wanted to do something for Will as a personal tribute, something that represents him.

“He was sports crazy and particularly loved windsurfing and swimming.”

Colin added: “I’m no good at either of those sports but decided to try kayaking.

“Will would be surprised. But I wanted to enthusiastically throw myself into a new challenge and treat it as an adventure, just like he always did.”

Colin’s friend and workmate Rob decided to join him on the fundraiser.

They have raised £1,600 so far but hope to hit the £2,000 mark.

Their friend Dave Lucas, 48, has organised it while they have been training. The trio all work at DEK on the Granby Industrial Estate.

Will lost his battle against a brain tumour in August of last year.

The trust was set up in his memory by Will’s mum Pam Govier, 47, and Wey Valley School.

Colin said: “Will was always motivated, full of enthusiasm and would put the maximum effort into every sport he tried.

“He embraced each challenge.

“The trust is built around Will, aiming to inspire other youngsters.”