A CELEBRITY team of 12 are setting off to complete the final leg of their 30 mile endurace paddle across Basingstoke Canal today.
The all-star line up includes presenter and adventurer Charley Boorman, former England footballer Wayne Bridge and F1 champion Damon Hill.
They will be joined by England rugby star James Haskell, presenter Chloe Madeley, journalist Matthew Wright plus Amy Voce, a radio presenter, street artist D*Face and Nick and Giles English, founders of Bremont Watches Founders.
The starry team will be headed up by expedition organiser Ben Bowers and paddle guide Paul Hyman.
Charity was definitely the winner today. 😂
— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) May 17, 2021
“The Big Stand Up” Day 1 is nearly complete.
Please donate if you can🙌🏻✌️ https://t.co/wsZcwUwown pic.twitter.com/5Qi2WJ2424
Originally planned for Blue Monday (the most depressing day of the year) COVID-19 lockdown forced a change in dates, but the team are committed to take on the challenge show that fun and adventure can be found close to home.
The group of friends are coming together, shoulder to shoulder through a shared activity to set an example for other men that no matter the situation you find yourself in, looking to friends for support and sharing in experiences can be a good way to get through the tough times.
The trip will require both physical and mental resilience which all the team members have developed over time through their own personal challenges. Building the resilience to overcome those challenges, talking about their experiences and seeking help and support have been vital tools to thrive.
We are All meeting up tonight for The Big Stand Up paddleboard starting Monday Tuesday 30 miles 29 locks. All for @MovemberUK I had testicular cancer so glad they were around to help https://t.co/zBRjZ3NEvm @IAmBenBowman @active360SUP @HillF1 @Bremont @BremontNick @GilesEnglish pic.twitter.com/dwU390Gwfq
— Charley Boorman (@charleyboorman) May 16, 2021
Paddling together they will help each other through the challenges on the water whilst also taking time along the way to connect and talk opening up about some of the tough stuff in their lives.
The initiative has been spearheaded by two-time testicular cancer survivor and Movember Ambassador Ben Bowers and his good friend, Charley Boorman who has also had testicular cancer as well as many other life-threatening accidents over the years.
I have had easier days - 7.5hrs paddle boarding ! But it was for a great cause @MovemberUK #thebigstandup @BremontNick https://t.co/RyzeH1u2ul pic.twitter.com/DbG0kkoZGq
— Giles- Bremont (@GilesEnglish) May 17, 2021
Ben said: “Having had a pretty tough year as everyone has in 2020, I was in need of doing something positive. not only for myself but for other men. I’ve had worse years through my cancer fight and I was able to draw upon the resilience built through those experiences to stay mentally well in lockdown.
"For me keeping mentally well meant getting outside and engaging with nature. I’m so pleased that with Charley’s help we’ve pulled together our crack team of paddlers and I hope we can inspire others to take positive action regarding their wellbeing.”
Yesterday a merry band set off on a mission to paddle the full length of the Basingstoke canal.
— Movember UK (@MovemberUK) May 18, 2021
There were swans, there was hail, there was water. A lot of water. That was just day Day 1.
Day 2 is today. It's all for #MensHealth. For more and to donate: https://t.co/vQuXzC2mv9 pic.twitter.com/yd4p5Pf2Dj
Charley said: “I first met Ben a number of years ago. We both had gone through a scare with Testicular Cancer. Our paths crossed through a mutual friend and we became friends for life. When Ben asked me to get involved in the expedition to highlight men’s health and mental health I jumped at the chance. All my life and all our lives we are faced with challenges big and small. It’s how we get through them and what we do that counts. Our family and friends around us are also really important. So I’m delighted to join a bunch of like-minded people and get involved in this challenge in May.”
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