Photo opportunity: Challenge launch at Bootle with Chuck and Ant, their boards and all their gear. Or high quality photos can be provided after the launch.
Time/date: 12:00 to 13:00, Bootle Harbour (w3w – ///found.grades.front) on New Year’s Day January 1st 2024
Contact: Paul (Chuck) Norris, Bush Adventures UK and challenge participant (07980 701581), Ant Ing, Standup paddleboard UK and challenge participant (07722833667), Mike, Suicide Prevention UK, (07436 623217)
Two lifelong friends, along with their dearest friends and family, embark on an extraordinary journey from Bootle Dock in Liverpool to the Humber near Goole in January 2024. They plan to stay by the water, foregoing hotels and hostels, embracing all the hardships the weather and environment send their way. They hope friends and new acquaintances will join different sections as they wish under their own support for the cause.
This January marks 8 years since Chuck overcame several negative spirals of suicidal thoughts and personal mental health challenges. In response, he enlisted his best pal, Ant Ing, to do something that may offer a candle of light and hope to others facing similar struggles.
Initially, the challenge was about facing adversity alone, but as a true friend, Ant Ing has transformed the idea into one that involves others, one that is still full of personal hardship and adversity but opens the heart and adventure to others. When facing difficult moments and awful “temporary” thoughts, it’s time to share and be around others; this helps people avoid making the wrong permanent choice. In January, when the struggle against suicidal thoughts intensifies, the boys are uniting to emphasise the importance of showing up for loved ones. Together, they and you can make a difference and save lives.
Paul (Chuck) Norris said: “Every day, suicide takes around 19 people from their families and friends in the UK and Ireland that’s over 7000 a year. My own experience is that you need the support of loved ones and friends showing up for you, being there. And we’re hoping that, when many people are sleeping off hangovers, we can battle through personal adversity to raise awareness, and hopefully raise £5k for Suicide Prevention UK, who do so much to support people with suicidal thoughts.”
Paddling from Liverpool Dock in the West to Goole Dock in the East, passing through the quiet middle England town of Skipton. This tranquil journey unfolds along the official Canal and River Trust UK Coast to Coast route over five days this January. In the backdrop of challenging, cold, and adverse weather conditions, these two boys see this venture as an opportunity to navigate both mental and physical landscapes. It’s not just a physical challenge; it’s a thoughtful journey.
Talking helps.
Physical activity helps.
Being around people helps
We’ll be paddling the entire 160 mile / 260km distance and rough sleeping along the way, using McConks paddleboard gear, breaking bread, eating, drinking with others, and enjoying a warm evening meal, you’ re welcome to bring a cuddle, a high five or share on social media to get the message out there.
“January is a difficult time, with many of us now feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis on our mental health and wellbeing, especially those of us with existing mental health problems. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and it’s so important that no one has to face this alone.
“Every donation that SP.UK receives allows us to campaign to improve services and provide information and support, and your £10 donation becomes £12.50 with gift aid, and that helps keep our National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK going (0800 689 5652).”
Be a Beacon of Hope: Your support is crucial. Join us in this paddle of resilience and hope. Sponsor us and help save lives.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s paddle towards a future where no one feels alone. #YouAreNotAlone #SPUK #SUPUK #OpenConversations
Donate Here:
Paul (Chuck) Norris, Bush Adventures UK and challenge participant (07980 701581), Ant Ing, Standup paddleboard UK and challenge participant (07722833667), Mike, Suicide Prevention UK, (07436 623217)
About SP.UK:
Suicide Prevention UK is an award winning Suicide Prevention charity.
We help anyone who may be struggling with their mental health and/or thoughts of suicide. Our volunteers use their skills, training and empathetic approach to offer a non-judgmental listening ear to help people in what could be their darkest hour. Our volunteers aim to signpost individuals to the most relevant support available to them at that time, to get them the help they deserve.
Our service is available via our helpline – National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK (0800 689 5652), social media and face to face out in the community.
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