Rower's epic challenge to shine a light on men's mental health

In June, he will set off on a “Great British odyssey” in which he hopes to become the first person to row solo and unsupported around England, Scotland, and Wales while navigating huge tidal runs, busy shipping lanes and Europe’s biggest whirlpools. Each of the previous seven official attempts has failed, but Collins is undeterred.Collins, […]

In June, he will set off on a “Great British odyssey” in which he hopes to become the first person to row solo and unsupported around England, Scotland, and Wales while navigating huge tidal runs, busy shipping lanes and Europe’s biggest whirlpools. Each of the previous seven official attempts has failed, but Collins is undeterred.Collins, who lives near Portsmouth in Hampshire, has pledged to raise £250,000 for James’ Place, a charity offering free, life-saving treatment for men experiencing a suicidal crisis. Men can either self-refer or be referred by a GP, mental health practitioner or voluntary organisation.Collins grew up among relatives with strong nautical ties. “My parents are scuba diving instructors and I come from a family full of world champion sailors — we’re better on water than we are on dry land,” he said with a laugh.Having travelled 15,000 miles across the world’s three largest oceans, Collins’s next challenge is closer to home and holds personal significance.

The oarsman, a former pupil of Uppingham School in Leicestershire, said that he did not recognise he was struggling with his mental health until his late 20s. His peers often sought him out as a “problem solver” and Collins explained how this affected him.

• ‘Therapy felt like going into a cocoon and coming out with wings’

Angus Collins seated in a rowing boat before a solo row around Great Britain.

James’ Place was supported by The Times and Sunday Times Christmas appeal last year. Since 2018, its suicide prevention centres in London, Liverpool and Newcastle have welcomed men aged 18 to 84. However, with suicide rates at the highest for 25 years, the charity wants to expand its services and open new sites to reach more men in crisis.”I’ve got my sights on another world record and raising money for James’ Place. But if a guy contacts me in one month or in ten years’ time and says, ‘I read what you said about your own mental health and that really helped me,’ then I will see this as a success.”

”I’ve got my sights on another world record and raising money for James’ Place. But if a guy contacts me in one month or in ten years’ time and says, ‘I read what you said about your own mental health and that really helped me,’ then I will see this as a success.”