Four pals are rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to raise over £300,000 for a charity, Row For James, raising awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide in young people
Four pals are rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to raise over £300,000 for a charity, Row For James, raising awareness of depression, anxiety and suicide in young people.
Moved by the death of his 21-year-old brother James, team captain Harry Wentworth-Stanley has signed up to the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, a test of mental and physical endurance featuring 20 teams from around the world.
The Row For James boys are training hard for the December event. Money raised will set up the first in a series of non-clinical crisis centres for those at high risk of suicide, to be known as James’ Place.
“If James was still alive he would have been top of my list of people to row an ocean with,” said Harry. “He had an amazing thirst for adventure and would always push himself to new limits – rowing the Atlantic has his name written all over it!
“In the weeks and months before he died I had no idea that, behind his cheery grin, James was hurting. I also had no idea that suicide is the biggest killer of young men in this country.
“James is my inspiration for taking on this challenge – both to do him proud and to raise money in his name to help prevent others from suicide. When times are tough during our crossing he will inspire me to push on and keep going,” he said.
To donate, visit www.rowforjames.com
About the team:
Harry Wentworth-Stanley – Captain, Motivator:
“If James was still alive he would have been top of my list of people to row an ocean with. He had an amazing thirst for adventure and would always push himself to new limits – rowing the Atlantic has his name written all over it! In the weeks and months before he died I had no idea that, behind his cheery grin, James was hurting. I also had no idea that suicide is the biggest killer of young men in this country. James is my inspiration for taking on this challenge – both to do him proud and to raise money in his name to help prevent others from suicide. When times are tough during our crossing he will inspire me to push on and keep going.”
Rory Buchanan – Technician, DJ:
“Until now, I have never physically nor mentally put myself through anything close to the extremes that we will be forced to endure during this row. As someone who has watched my own sister battle with depression for so long, I was drawn to a challenge that would embrace the link between this kind of mental suffering, which is at the core of the charity, and the mental resolve which we will have to show during the row – this will be my motivation when rowing across the Atlantic.”
Sam Greenly – Navigator, Weatherman:
“I am always looking to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself where possible, and what could be more challenging than 40-60 days at sea, especially when I get uneasy swimming in open water! The opportunity to take part in such a demanding and arduous event in the company of three great friends was just too good to miss. It then gets even better knowing the focus is on raising awareness and money for such an important and worthy cause, one that is extremely important to me having been exposed to young men and women in the army who have suffered from Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
Toby Fenwicke-Clennell – The Engine Room, Physio:
“In society today there is still a level of stigma attached to the subject of mental health. This makes it hard to talk about openly, which is something I have personally experienced. I am passionate that the success of this campaign will ultimately raise awareness for this sensitive subject, and hopefully help many for whom an exit from that spiral of depression can seem impossible. It is with this in mind that I will find extra strength at particularly tough times during the row.”
