The Minds Matter team Craig Sadler and Stu Vince have been busy preparing their boat Patience and building their rowing skills as they fundraise alongside their firefighter colleagues.
Every stroke that goes towards crossing the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua in December, will be motivated by their fundraising target of £50,000 which will benefit two charities close to the trio’s hearts, Solent Mind and The Fire Fighters Charity.
Craig only came aboard in April, who as first reserve swapped positions with Watch Manager Adam Bundle, who remains very much a part of the team, supporting from shoreside and continuing to raise awareness for the mental health campaign.
Watch Manager Adam Bundle said:
“I know that Craig and Stu will absolutely smash this challenge!
“I can’t think of a better and more deserving person to pass the baton on to.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to be involved in our positive mental health campaign and I’ll be there to help the guys finish this challenge.”
Along with Adam and Stu, Craig is also trained as a Mental Health First Aider within HIWFRS and is familiar with taking on epic challenges having trekked to Everest Base Camp with a team of firefighters in 2019.
Away from the fundraising, the team’s ongoing campaign sees them delivering Mental Health First Aider courses, training staff and raising awareness of mental health in the workplace.
They were planning to cross the Atlantic in December 2020 but had to postpone their challenge due to a back injury suffered by Stu.
Stu, Station Manager at Redbridge, said:
“The day we made the decision to pull out was one of the darkest of my life. Sat in the Solent at one in the morning in excruciating pain looking at Adam and both knowing the decision we had to make.
“It’s strange how life transpires at times, had we gone ahead I would have missed the birth of my beautiful twin daughters and Adam would not have been able to support his family during some really challenging times.
“We are now more determined, more focused and becoming better prepared.
“The continued support we have had has been incredible and I can’t thank everyone enough. I also want to thank Adam for not going without me!”
After battling through injury, serious family illness, personal stresses and working on the frontline throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the firefighters were back on the water preparing for their 3,000-mile row.
Craig said:
“In August, Adam and Stu outlined their challenge and shared their disappointment at the postponement of the race, before offering me the opportunity to be first reserve in the event either of them were unable to complete the row. I didn’t hesitate in saying ‘yes’.
“I am honoured and privileged that Adam and Stu believe I have what it takes to step into their shoes if needed. I am always up for a challenge and enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I genuinely believe that is when you find out who you truly are.
“I am made up to be a part of the team and I will give it my all.
“The two charities are both close to my heart and do phenomenal jobs in helping and supporting so many people.”
Adam, Stu and Craig have completed rigorous sea survival training courses in preparation for the mammoth challenge and continue to take to their boat, aptly named Patience.
Working alongside students and staff at Southampton Solent University to ensure they are in the best physical condition, the team are also delivering Mental Health First Aider courses, training staff and raising awareness of mental health in the workplace.
You can find out more about the challenge and their campaign on their website or follow their updates on social media:
Facebook – fb.me/mindsmatterarc
Twitter – @mindsmatterarc
Instagram – mindsmatterarc
Or donate to the two fantastic causes: