A CELEBRITY team of 12 are set to embark on a 30 mile paddle across Basingstoke Canal to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

The all-star line up includes presenter and adventurer Charley Boorman, former England footballer Wayne Bridge and F1 champion Damon Hill.

They will be joined by England rugby star James Haskell, presenter Chloe Madeley, journalist Matthew Wright plus Amy Voce, a radio presenter, street artist D*Face and Nick and Giles English, founders of Bremont Watches Founders.

The starry team will be headed up by expedition organiser Ben Bowers and paddle guide Paul Hyman.

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The team will set off on the Monday 17th May, to give hope and optimism to others for the coming year, and will their way east, ending at Weybridge on 18th May. Originally planned for Blue Monday (the most depressing day of the year) COVID-19 lockdown forced a change in dates, but the team are committed to take on the challenge show that fun and adventure can be found close to home.

The group of friends are coming together, shoulder to shoulder through a shared activity to set an example for other men that no matter the situation you find yourself in, looking to friends for support and sharing in experiences can be a good way to get through the tough times.

The trip will require both physical and mental resilience which all the team members have developed over time through their own personal challenges. Building the resilience to overcome those challenges, talking about their experiences and seeking help and support have been vital tools to thrive.

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Paddling together they will help each other through the challenges on the water whilst also taking time along the way to connect and talk opening up about some of the tough stuff in their lives.

The initiative has been spearheaded by two-time testicular cancer survivor and Movember Ambassador Ben Bowers and his good friend, Charley Boorman who has also had testicular cancer as well as many other life-threatening accidents over the years.

Ben said: “Having had a pretty tough year as everyone has in 2020, I was in need of doing something positive. not only for myself but for other men. I’ve had worse years through my cancer fight and I was able to draw upon the resilience built through those experiences to stay mentally well in lockdown.

"For me keeping mentally well meant getting outside and engaging with nature. I’m so pleased that with Charley’s help we’ve pulled together our crack team of paddlers and I hope we can inspire others to take positive action regarding their wellbeing.”

Charley said: “I first met Ben a number of years ago. We both had gone through a scare with Testicular Cancer. Our paths crossed through a mutual friend and we became friends for life. When Ben asked me to get involved in the expedition to highlight men’s health and mental health I jumped at the chance. All my life and all our lives we are faced with challenges big and small. It’s how we get through them and what we do that counts. Our family and friends around us are also really important. So I’m delighted to join a bunch of like-minded people and get involved in this challenge in May.”