Oxford man to start 30-day expedition in support of children's mental health
Kevin Dutton and his team will be rowing and cycling from Jersey to an island north of Shetland
A four-man team including a former Oxford University psychologist is embarking on a historic expedition across the British Isles today to raise awareness about children's mental health and resilience.
Professor Kevin Dutton will start the South-North Adventure alongside experienced ocean rowers Billy Taylor and Gary Hutchings, and bookseller Patrick Neale.
Their journey will stretch 1,500 miles, from Les Minquieres, the UK's southernmost point, to Out Stack, a remote island off Shetland's northern tip.
Throughout the 30-day challenge, the team aims to raise vital funds for 10 children’s mental health charities by cycling and rowing.
Iron Maiden's singer, Bruce Dickinson, will join the team on the first leg of their journey, rowing from Les Minquieres to Jersey.
Other prominent figures expected to lend their support include lexicographer and Countdown star Susie Dent, former England rugby player Brian Moore, TV presenter Ben Sheppard, snooker stars Ronnie O'Sullivan, Jimmy White, and Rob Walker, Olympic silver medallist Ed Clancy, and triathletes Alisdair and Jonny Brownlee.
Professor Dutton emphasised the importance of listening to children when addressing mental health:
“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.”
The adventurous group will face numerous challenges, including treacherous waves up to 4 metres high during their ocean row, and fatigue as they strive to cover 1,500 miles in a custom-made tandem-rickshaw on land.
Professor Dutton is using this expedition to promote a petition for the establishment of a National Listen to Children Day.
Dame Rachel De Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, expressed her support:
“It’s time that we listened to the views of children and acted upon what they tell us.”