Battling cuts and bruises has not deterred an Abbots Langley man from paddleboarding the length of the Thames for Mind.
Josh Beckley is 10 days into the challenge, with around seven to go, as he paddles by day and spends his nights wild camping along the river.
All the effort is in support of the mental health charity, which provided a support worker and weekly counselling when he needed it most.
The 31-year-old said: “I’ve had my own struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, and the help I received made a real difference in my life.
“This is my way of giving something back and hopefully helping others going through similar challenges.”
The landscape gardener and former St Joan of Arc Rickmansworth pupil added: “The message I’d like to get out to anyone who is struggling is that the first thing to do is to get off substances and just seek help.”
So far, he has raised £2,684 of a £3,000 goal through 83 supporters on Just Giving and there is still a long way to go.
Despite telling of some nasty injuries along the way, including a cut to the foot when opening a river lock and a swollen ankle suffered climbing a tree, Josh remains in good spirits.
- View the fundraising page here: Josh Beckley – Thames Paddleboard Challenge (Source to Sea for Mind & Thames21)
“My body's feeling alright,” he said. “I just keep pushing through. It's really enjoyable being out on the river every day and on the open water.”
The challenge is also raising awareness for Thames 21, a charity working to make the Thames and its tributaries healthier and more climate resilient.
Read more
Plans for turning small bungalow into 8-bed HMO and flats go back in
Latest Harlequin Watford business openings and closures for June
Reform UK candidate suspended over alleged behaviour at count joins Restore Britain
Josh said he believes it should be everyone’s “birthright" to be able to swim in their local rivers and “something needs to change” as pollution currently prevents this.
His journey is being documented on the Adventure Boyz YouTube and Instagram pages through daily vlogs keeping supporters updated.
Family and friends are ready to support Josh at the finish line in Southend-on-Sea, where he is expected around next Wednesday or Thursday. However, he suggested he may just keep going on to Whitstable on the Kent Coast.
Share