I’m hoping to break a skateboarding record for Mind

On the 8th May 2023 I will undertake an exhilarating and gruelling endurance skateboarding challenge in the bid to set a new sponsored Guinness world record for the furthest distance travelled on a skateboard in 24 hours at Elvington Airfield in York in aid of Mind.

This is the biggest challenge of my life. I have been dedicating my life to the challenge since December 2022. I am training three times a week in the gym. I hope to raise as much money and awareness for Mind and also want to encourage as many people as possible of all generations to speak out about their own mental health. I am representing Skateboard GB, which is the Olympic governing body for skateboarding in the UK.

“There will be a lot of blood, sweat, tears and aches going into this – and after it.”

My training is going well and I am starting to see the benefits in fitness and shape. There will be a lot of blood, sweat, tears and aches going into this challenge – and after it. I have taken on a personal trainer for a few sessions to get the maximum gains ahead of the event, which I will be documenting. I’ll be putting out progress videos weekly across my social media pages so you can follow the journey. I feel both excited and scared. The challenge requires not just athleticism but skill, focus and discipline – all these things I have been working hard on within myself over the years.

The reason for choosing Mind is because over the years I have battled mental health disorders and I’ve had one condition attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), that has been with me from day one to now. It is both my best friend and worst enemy my yin and yan. I want to show people that you can use ADHD to your own advantage to achieve things.

Common misconceptions

There are some misconceptions around ADHD that are important to correct. For example people often wrongly believe that everybody with the condition is hyperactive, they can't focus, suffer with mood swings and have a tendency to lash out and be violent. There are also misconceptions that ADHD is something that only children have and then grow out of when in fact adults can have it too. Many people with ADHD are kind, loving, accommodating, vulnerable and sensitive. These myths shine a bad light on those with the condition. I want to show people there are so many of us battling mental health disorders and still doing positive things.

“Pardon the pun, but I’ll push it to the limit to bring this Guinness World Record to the UK and most importantly back home to Yorkshire for the first time.”

The challenge is a test of stamina, resilience and perseverance, but I am confident it can be achieved. Pardon the pun, but I’ll push it to the limit to bring this Guinness World Record to the UK and most importantly back home to Yorkshire for the first time.

I always say that if something doesn't scare you a little bit, then you shouldn't be doing it. I intend on making it a community gathering and event with live music, spectators and more. Even if I fall short of the world record I will have raised awareness and funds for a charity close to my heart so either way it is a win, win.

You can all sponsor me and support Mind by heading over to my Just Giving page here.