Indian Ocean Challenge for Dementia and Mental Health

Hi,

We are a mixed crew of 4 ordinary people that will be attempting to row 5,500 miles from Australia to Kenya across the Indian Ocean to raise awareness of both Dementia and Mental health, something that we did in 2018 for Parkinson's disease with great effect.

This will not only be the first ever crossing between these two countries, but in doing so we it will also be the first time in history that a crew has successfully crossed the Indian Ocean from continent to continent by human power alone.

During the challenge we will be collecting research data into the effects of plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean, data into the effects of exercise on mental health symptoms (such as anxiety and depression) and inspiring the next generation of adventurers through our schools programme, talking to

children in the classroom via video link from out on the water.

The crew will have to work together as a team to ensure that the crossing is successful. Unsupported means just that, and they will have to deal with anything that gets thrown at them. There is no stopping and calling a specialist out to help with repairs, no popping to A&E for medical attention. Although the crew will be able to use a satellite phone to seek advice they, and they alone, will be the ones who have to deal with any and all problems they encounter. If they do get into trouble and need help it is entirely possible that they will have to wait for up to 5 days for the cavalry to arrive. Everything that they will need will have to be loaded onto the boat before they leave and once they have left there is no turning back.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

1. Mental Health and PTSD

Mental Health issues in the UK have gone largely ignored for generations and it is only recently that people have felt comfortable to discuss conditions such as PTSD. This is despite the fact that an estimated 3,800,000 people in the UK are believed to be living with the condition.

The research carried out by Oxford Brookes University will aim to provide a

better understanding of how exercise is beneficial for those suffering from anxiety and depression. Public awareness of PTSD should and needs to be raised and the condition destigmatised. We hope to use the media surrounding the row to do so.

2. Research into plastic pollution.

There are currently very few ways to actively sample the level of plastics that are floating in our oceans today. Many of these approaches depend highly on manual, labour intensive studies to confirm the presence and amount of plastics entering into our oceans. The data we collect for Michigan University will be used to help develop a new way to detect and

monitor the movement and concentration of microplastics using satellite technology.

3. To help inspire the next generation of school leavers & adventurers.

During the Indian Ocean row in 2018 we managed to hold live video chats from out on the water directly into class rooms across the UK (a world first). We hope to do the same this time, and engage students so that we can show them that there is so much more to life than a screen and that it doesn’t matter what hand life deals you, you can always do something to help yourself and help others.

4. To show the strength of a mixed crew.

Ocean rowing has traditionally been dominated by single-gender teams, with most expeditions comprising all-male crews. By navigating one of the world’s most challenging oceans as a mixed crew, we aim to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that diversity strengthens a team. Through media coverage of the row, we hope to inspire future generations to see that ocean rowing—and the outdoors world as a whole—is open to

everyone, regardless of gender.

All donations contribute directly towards the cost of getting the crew to the start line, allowing us to undertake the challenge and raise money for our two chosen charities, Race Against Dementia and Rock 2 recovery

All money raised above this cost will be split between our charity partners.