The 5 River Challenge - kayaking, cycling and camping

26th September - 1st October, 2021

I am challenging myself to paddle 5 Norfolk rivers in 6 days in my inflatable kayak.  

The things I know help my own mental health are: be active, be in nature and be creative - so I have tried to cover all of these with this challenge!

The physical challenge

I should end up paddling around 150km of river (more if I go the wrong way!) and will also be cycling around 100km in order to cover as much river as possible and I will be camping near the water each night.  I am not an experienced paddler, nor cyclist and I have a problem with my spine that makes all physical activity hard and extremely painful.

The mental challenge

Being on my own, with just myself and my own thoughts for company with no distractions will be difficult!  Overcoming my worries and potentially real obstacles too, but using natural surroundings and peace and quiet to help me focus on being 'in the moment'.

The creative challenge

Well, possibly not that creative, but in order to 'leave my mark' - I am proposing to place some cotton patchwork leaves, printed on the reverse with positive quotes along the way.  (these will be 100% natural materials and biodegradable)

Why?

I want to raise awareness and money to help anyone who needs it, to have support with their mental health.  I have experienced the trauma poor mental health can cause from both sides, both my own and also with people I have been in close relationships with and have seen and felt the damage it can do.  There are so many difficulties people face, but, ultimately, I feel most things come down to mental health and am fully aware how difficult it can be for people to get the support they need, at the right time. 

Evidence of the challenge

I will try (!) and remember to record all my routes on Strava and will document my travels with photos and updates via social media.  Facebook: Karen Jeremiah / Instagram: @karenspanky

I will also photograph and use what.three.words to pinpoint where the leaves are placed, so others can venture off to try and find them.

For the first 10 people to sponsor over £25, you can choose a message or quote and I will make a leaf just for you. 😊

If you want to select a leaf, please email me to arrange details: artoftheordinary@gmail.com

With love and kindness,

Karen x