Hi, I am Mark Rowe, the guy responsible for the concept of 4 middle aged men embarking on this challenge, and what a challenge it promises to be!

As a recreational paddler with a large open canoe for the family, I’m no stranger to the water and for several years I’ve fancied the idea of gently paddling some of the UK’s longer rivers as an experience. You know the sort of thing, drop in somewhere with the sun on your back, paddle for an hour pull over for a pub lunch, have a few, set up camp, light the fire and relax. So, god only knows how we managed to agree to do the whole of the river Thames in 4 days then cycle home!

My genuine mind set for this challenge is to promote awareness of mental health… raise money for our chosen charities, and because of this amazing once in a lifetime challenge, get myself fit… lose 3 stone! (Otherwise, the poor kayak will not stand a chance).

I’m a 44 year old family man – who has piled a lot of weight on over the lockdown period. I want to grow old in relative good health and watch my kids grow up and be there to experience it all with them every step of the way!  I needed a goal/target/challenge in my life to help me achieve this and succeed. Thanks Mark, for planting the seed.

My name is Paul, I’m a 42-year-old father of 2 little amazing full of life little boys and husband to my very understanding wife Amy.

Growing older I have seen at first hand the challenges many of us face daily with mental health, this has only been magnified throughout 2020 and into 21, as we all try to juggle home, work life and of course for many of us home schooling! I decided to do this epic challenge to raise money for 3 great charities, Men’s metal health, Great Ormand street hospital and Heart Link Glenfield Hospital.

I am no athlete or sportsman, experience in Kayaking was nil until now when I find myself laughing at the thought of what I had just committed to with The Long Way Back. It is a big ask. Taking on something you cannot do, to turn it around & do it! That is the challenge.

We all have personal reasons for being involved. Middle aged, over weight etc… and of course I would like to be generally fitter mind & body, but I can live with that, a choice I can make! But this is my reason…

…‘A choice’ which I had no control over is Type 1 Diabetes. Not in me, but my beautiful daughter Eleanor. If there was a way, I could take it away from her I would.