Hi everyone,

This year I set myself a challenge: to take on a series of long-distance rowing events and use them as a way to support Pieta, an organisation that provides free help to people in mental health crisis or struggling with suicidal thoughts.

So far, I’ve completed 28 km in Cork (31 May), 35 km in Venice (8 June), and most recently 33 km on Loch Ness (6 September). Later this month comes the biggest test yet — 160 km around Lake Geneva (26–28 September). Altogether, that’s 251 km of rowing .

I chose Pieta because mental health matters — for all of us. Life can feel overwhelming, and everyone deserves someone to turn to when things get dark. Pieta offers that light, but they need our support to keep going.

For me, rowing has always been more than just a sport. It’s a way to clear my head, recharge, and stay balanced. Out on the water, there’s a peace you can’t find anywhere else. That’s what I’m rowing for — and I hope, through Pieta, others can find their own version of that peace too.

We’re living in fast, demanding times. That’s why it’s so important to hold on to the things that make us feel alive — whether that’s rowing, music, hiking, painting, or anything else that fuels your passion. Passion gives us purpose. And when we stay connected to it, we show up better in our families, at work, and in our communities.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Please share, and if you can, donate.

Thank you so much for reading, and for supporting Pieta and this journey.

With gratitude,

Massimo