A former Oxford University psychologist and best-selling author from Oxford is attempting to make history byembarking on a 30-day South to North expedition point to point across the British Isles via boat and rickshaw to raise awareness of children’s wellbeing and raise vital funds for 10 children’s mental health charities.
On 11 April Professor Kevin Dutton, aged 58, will start the challenge, called the South-North Adventure, alongside experienced ocean rowers, Billy Taylor and Gary Hutchings and bookseller, Patrick Neale, to ocean row and cycle from Les Minquieres, the southernmost point of the UK, to the northernmost point of the British Isles,Out Stack, a small island off the northern tip of Shetland, halfway to Norway, racking up a total of 1500 miles over 30 days.
Supported by some of the country’s top celebrities from Sport, TV and music, Iron Maiden singer, Bruce Dickinson, will join the team on the first leg of the challenge from Les Minquieres and rowing to Jersey.
Other notable faces set to join the challenge in support of Kevin’s mission include English lexicographer Countdown star Susie Dent; former England and Lions Rugby player, Brian Moore; television presenter Ben Sheppard; Snooker superstars Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jimmy White and Rob Walker; Olympic silver medallist Ed Clancy; and British triathlon royalty Alisdair and Jonny Brownlee.
Speaking about his reasons behind the challenge, Professor Kevin Dutton, said: “We want to celebrate and find ways to nurture the strengths of our young people and raise significant funds for 10 children’s mental health charities.
“Every day adults make decisions about children’s mental health – in schools, clinics, policy rooms and research labs – yet the one group rarely asked what actually helps is the children themselves.
“Children often understand their struggles, fears and resilience in ways adults overlook.
“If we want better solutions we must start with better listening – because the most powerful insights into children’s wellbeing often come from children themselves.”
Traversing around 1,500 miles, the team will row 700 miles (from Les Minquiers to Portsmouth, via Jersey, and then from Scrabster, in the north of Scotland, to Out Stack) and cycle 800 miles on land on their custom-made tandem-rickshaw from Portsmouth Harbour to Scrabster.
During the challenge the team will face blisters and sores, exhaustion and encounter treacherous waves over 4-metres high when they row across The Alderney Race – a dangerous, high-speed tidal stream between Alderney and France.
As part of the adventure, Kevin is setting up a petition to encourage the Government to establish a National Listen to Children Day.
Supporting Kevin’s sentiments and the challenge is the Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel De Souza, who said: “It’s time that we listened to the views of children and acted upon what they tell us.”
To support Professor Kevin Dutton’s challenge, visit South North Adventure | givestar
Follow the challenge on Instagram (South-North Adventures) or visit www.southnorthadventures.com
