Chuck and Ant
C2C SUP
Fundraising for Suicide Prevention UK
Story
WHAT
Ant and Chuck are Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) The Canal & River Trust Coast to Coast 160 mile Trail in under 5 Days for Suicide Prevention UK*
Follow us on tracker here
Allowing themselves a maximum of 5 Days to navigate over 160miles or 260KM and forgoing accommodation the boys will face what ever the environment sends their way. Carrying all their kit and sleeping under tarp is all part of the challenge.
The route for those that want more detail is here.
The kick off paddle stroke will be around late afternoon from Eldonian Village Hall Liverpool 1st of January - follow our Insta pages (links below) for location & updates - please share the stories and page too.
WHY
Every day, suicide takes around 19 people from our families and friends in the UK and Ireland— that's over 7000 a year (Samaritans collated statistics).
Sadly, all to often temporary thoughts result in saddening permanent loss.
Suicide Prevention UK are our chosen national charity, they need the boys and your help. Ant and Chuck are doing the physical and mental bit; your part is to donate / share / link and send a little love to help Suicide Prevention UK in all they do to turn the tide for so many.
This January marks 8 years since Chuck (Paul Norris) overcame several negative spirals of suicidal thoughts and personal mental health challenges. A hard thing to share from an outgoing and enthusiastically extroverted people person! In true positive Chuck type response, He enlisted a best pal, Ant Ing, to do something that may offer a candle of light and hope to others facing similar struggles at this hard time of year.
THE CHALLENGE GROWTH
Initially, the challenge was about facing adversity alone, but as a true friend, Ant Ing transformed the idea into one that involves others, one that is still full of personal hardship and adversity but opens the heart and adventure to others. When facing difficult moments and awful "temporary" thoughts, it's time to share and be around others; this helps people avoid making the wrong permanent choice.
January 2024, a hard month, when the struggle against suicidal thoughts can intensify, the best friends are uniting to emphasise the importance of showing up for loved ones. Together they are hoping to make a difference and help save lives!
THE CHALLENGE
Paddling from Liverpool Dock in the West to Goole Dock in the East, passing through the quiet middle England town of Skipton. This tranquil journey unfolds along the official Canal & River Trust UK Coast to Coast route.
In the backdrop and after the challenging, cold, and adverse weather conditions of the paddle, the pair hope that this journey will not only be physical but will be positively thought provoking and mindful too. Ant and Chuck hope people will help others see that talking, keeping active and being round people can really help reverse downward spirals that so many have found either themselves or loved ones in. Talking, sharing, and truly showing up makes a difference.
Ant and Chuck will be paddling the entire 160 mile / 260km distance and rough sleeping along the way, breaking bread, eating, drinking with others, and enjoying a warm evening meal, you're welcome to bring a cuddle, a high five or share on social media to get the message out there. Sharing this story is really important.
If you have the skill and ability to move 4mph consistently over time then you are more than welcome to spur the boys along their way.
HOW CAN YOU HELP THE BOYS
"Wow, there are so many ways in which to help. You can join us for a stretch of the journey, shout and make us smile, follow us on a bike or run the tow path. Or bring a morning brew or give us a cheeky cuddle to share the love. This journey isn’t just about us, it is about raising awareness and to get people talking. Sharing our message and following our journey on social media will also help spread the word and hopefully raise funds for this amazing charity to help in the times of need." The Boys.
THE PRE-SUPPORT SO FAR
1) One organisation has committed to match fund the first £1000 of personal money raised! is Bush Adventures UK C.I.C.— a community company owned and championed by Chuck. This turns your £5 into £10, with the charity Suicide Prevention UK getting gift aid resulting in a £12.50 donation!
*If you own a company, you're welcome to match fund the next £1000 too!*
2) The family owned and managed business Mcconks Paddleboards have sponsored the boys their steeds on this journey, but most importantly their love and support over many years in all they try to do for others.
3) Palm Equipment Europe have sponsored the boys lovely new PFDs with hydration bladders to keep them safe and hydrated along their journey as well as a great supporting discount on further kit and safety equipment; also years of love and support for Ant and his endeavours to further the sport of SUP.
4) Naish and Caz have sponsored the boys their shinny new paddles and time to help keep Chuck travelling straight when the going gets tough!
5) Family - The boys loved ones; their biggest sponsors! Their wife's and kiddos, who miss them both very much during training and planning, let alone the journey itself.
Well, we have have talked a lot about the reasons, those involved, the why... blah de blah...but not a lot about who the boys are as people.
CHUCK
A Community, education, adventure, and mental health champion.
Supporting local communities to leading large corporate events, Chuck loves to help people smile and build happy memories. An experienced and qualified outdoor expedition leader and adventurer, Chuck adores nature and all the immense benefits it brings to the world.
A keen conservationist, Chuck spends a great deal of time helping people diversify to improve business, peoples lives and nature in equal measure.
Chuck adores his family, friends and colleagues who undoubtably become great friends in no time due to his kind heart and tenacious nature to get things done. He considers himself to be very fortunate and lucky to have so many amazing people in his life.
"I'm lucky because I have many amazing people like Ant by my side, truly blessed. life is tough, it really can be hard. We see the smiles on the outside, but do we truly check in on the inside? I am so lucky, even in our outdoor world, there isn't many who are like Ant who are like - Yeah, I am IN - on such a journey in JANUARY, please donate lol" Chuck.
ANT
Anthony has been a key pioneer of White Water Stand Up paddleboarding, developing the industry for the past 12 years and pushing the limits of SUPable journey’s across the globe. Ant started kayaking from a young age and met his buddy Chuck during college where their spirit of adventure evolved.
Ant is now an accomplished level 5 Coach who is dedicated to getting the best out of everybody. Ant loves teaching and developing keen Stand Up Paddleboarder’s and sharing his passion for this growing sport. Ant stands on the British Canoeing SUP Technical Panel, advising and assisting in the development of British Canoeing SUP Awards and the promoting the growth of SUP in the UK. He runs Stand Up Paddleboard UK with his wife Lianne, in Llangollen, North Wales.
“It’s a privilege to support Chuck on this journey. I have been through thick and thin with a dear friend, supporting them during tough times. Now, we're teaming up to make a positive impact by raising money for charity. It's incredible how friendship and solidarity can turn challenges into opportunities for good. Join us in this meaningful journey." Ant.
READY TO SPONSOR AN EPIC PADDLE OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE?
Be a part of this life-changing journey, where every stroke on the water is a testament to resilience and hope. Sponsor Ant and Chucks paddle and help them make a lasting difference in the lives of those struggling.
Please join us in supporting this vital cause as two lifelong friends, along with their dearest friends and family, embark on an extraordinary journey from Bootle Dock in Liverpool to the Humber near Goole this January 2024.
Don't forget We plan to stay by the water, foregoing hotels and hostels, embracing all the hardships the weather and environment send our way. We hope friends and new acquaintances will join us on different sections to offer their own support for the cause. Please do also donate.
Follow us on Instagram - links below to see the journey
We hope to post along the way on our stories.
Thank You