WR Indoor Row for Men's Mental Health in Movember

Welcome to Isaac, Alex and Graham's World Record Indoor Row fundraising page in aid of men's mental health.

This November the team 'RowMovember' will be breaking down barriers and stigmas during the inaugural Movember which takes place every November. As a small team, we are raising funds for the mental health charity Movember.

Dates of the world record attempt - 24-25th November 2023

Start - 7am, 24th November 2023

Expected Finish - 1pm, 25th November 2023.

Location - ROWBOTS City, in Broadgate Quarter, Unit 3 Snowden St, London EC2A 2DQ

What is the world record? - we aim to break the current longest continual LWT indoor rowing world record for a small male-only team aged 20-29. Currently stands at 26 hours and we plan to beat this and reach 30 hours!

WHY Mental Health?

Each team member has their own reason for this challenge let's delve deeper and ask them why mental health?

Isaac Kenyon

"In my journey, I have encountered firsthand the challenges of grappling with mental health issues, specifically the relentless grip of anxiety and panic disorder that I navigate daily. These struggles have, at times, led me to confront thoughts of despair and hopelessness. Unfortunately, in our Western society, particularly here in the UK, mental health challenges are still often perceived as a sign of weakness, shrouded in shame and stigma. Individuals grappling with these issues are sometimes unfairly stereotyped as incapable of making decisions, further compounding the stigma.

I, too, was once among those who held misconceptions about mental health, believing that conditions like anxiety were not genuine medical illnesses and that individuals could simply 'snap out of it' if they chose to. Consequently, I stayed away from seeking support, fearing that I would be perceived as weak. Regrettably, my condition only worsened as a result. I suspect that many individuals, especially those who subscribe to traditional notions of masculinity, still view mental health challenges as personal failings rather than valid health concerns. This stigma, coupled with societal pressures on men to perpetually display strength, contributes to the reluctance of many men to acknowledge their need for assistance. Toxic masculinity often prevents men from embracing healthy coping mechanisms, leading some to turn to harmful substances like alcohol and drugs to numb their emotional pain. We must convey the message that mental health issues are legitimate medical conditions, that effective treatments exist, and that there is hope for recovery. By doing so, we hope to inspire others to reach out, seek support, and begin their journey towards healing."

Alex Pierrot

"When I was in my early twenties, I went through some tough personal issues - combined with a strenuous study and work schedule, this led me to burn out and eventually spend three years suffering from depression, long parts of spent in a very dark state of mind and debilitated. Since my recovery, I have learnt many techniques and approaches to life to not only improve my mental health, but also maintain it. Key amongst those skills is how to open up to those around me, and not be ashamed of my thoughts and how I am feeling - had I opened up to my friends when the first signs of sruggle occured, I am convinced I would not have suffered to the same degree as I did.

In an effort to prevent others from experiencing the darkness I have faced, I have now become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), and am dedicated to promoting the benefits of sharing the issues we face and finding sources of help for recovery. Through listening, reassuring and responding, we can help less men suffer from mental ill health in silence, preventing countless suffering and leading to a society that no longer stigmatises this medical condition.

By attempting this world-record as a group of close friends, we hope to encourage other men to open about the state of their own minds - the resilience and emotional help we will have to give each other during this row is nothing compared to the unrelenting mental struggles so many men needlessly go through. Honest and frank communication is key to navigating through tough times and remember that things will always get better, no matter how difficult current circumstances are."

Graham Moore

"Talking about mental health can be difficult; sometimes, it can feel like a taboo subject. I know from personal experience that opening up about your experiences is the vital first step in the road to recovery - but even when people in the UK do reach out to wellbeing services, those services are often underprovisioned, and it can be difficult to get the type of support you need. That's why I am excited to fundraise with Movember, a charity that is working not only to promote awareness about men's mental wellbeing, but also to ensure that people have the support networks and services they need to tackle mental health problems. The first step on the road to recovery is opening up about it, and fundraising with Movember is a great way to start the conversation."

Why Movember as the CAUSE?

Movember is an annual, global charity event that takes place during the month of November. The primary focus of Movember is to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, with a particular emphasis on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. The name "Movember" is a combination of "moustache" and "November," reflecting one of its distinctive features: participants, known as "Mo Bros" and "Mo Sistas," are encouraged to grow moustaches (moustaches) during the month to spark conversations about men's health.

What will your money do?

Where can you follow the event?

Isaac will be updating this page as well as his website page and social media accounts on how the training is going. Give him a follow on social media for LIVE updates during the event :)

Instagram - @isaac_kenyon

Facebook - Isaac Kenyon

Twitter - @kenyon_isaac

LinkedIn - Isaac Kenyon

Thank you for being part of our campaign in supporting those with mental health :)