The last few years haven't been easy for many and personally, I've become very aware of my mental health and my journey to a happier me. Unfortunately, the resources available are overwhelmed at the moment which only makes it harder if you're finding life difficult.

I've chosen to kayak 162 or so miles (261km) from Liverpool to Goole through the canals. This in its own right is going to be a difficult task. I've wanted to do it for a few years and honestly, having something to focus on (because extra anxiety always helps a mental health problem right?!) is probably a good thing.

To complicate things, there will be:
* 100 or so locks to portage (get out and carry all my equipment around). This will be a real pain.
* Plenty Swing bridges to try to limbo under
* Still water - so I can't just sit and enjoy the ride
* Very limited places to stay, so I'll be wild camping where I can. Sleep is certainly not guaranteed.
* If the weather is too cold, wet or too hot it's going to make it much more difficult.
* I'm taking a kayak that isn't really the boat of choice but it's the boat I have. 
* I am absolutely not fit enough to do this

This will genuinely be the most difficult physical task I've ever done. I'm genuinely not sure I'll be able to do it.

While I don't expect a few hundred quid to make a big difference, there's a chance it could help someone and is absolutely worth it. So even if you just want to see me suffer, then it's a worthy cause right?

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If you fancy joining me, either on the water or canal path then check out the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/530009592210371
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Leeds Mind supports the people of Leeds and its surroundings to discover their own resources to 'recover' from periods of poor mental health and live independently with their mental health condition. 1 in 4 people experience mental health difficulties in their lives. Leeds Mind is here for you, whether that be depression, anxiety, isolation, stress, self-harm, personality disorder, bereavement, or any other negative mental health experience.