Voyage of discovery for Richard the adventurer

As someone who openly admits to fearing the open sea, Richard is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for mental health charities.

At the end of this week, the Leeds man, who was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome after battling anxiety and depression, will face his fear when he heads off to complete final training before flying to Queensland’s Gold Coast to begin his extraordinary challenge

Participating in Leg 5 of the 40,000 mile race around the world, it will take Richard two months to compete as a fully-fledged team member on board the Welcome to Yorkshire, one of the 10 stripped-down 68-foot racing yachts taking part. Having no previous ocean racing experience before he signed up and embarked on his rigorous Clipper Training, it will present him with a challenge quite unlike any other.

“Somewhere among what started to feel like a bucket list, was a desire to spend a long period at sea, travelling from one place to another. This itch came from a couple of things that I had come across in life, including a fear of the open sea and the potentially ferocious elements – how strange that it should be fear that I chase when it is anxiety and fear that has at times ruled my life negatively,” says Richard.

Not only is he taking part to challenge himself but also to raise awareness the Time to Change campaign to end the stigma and discrimination that faces people with mental health problems, run by mental health charities, Mind and Rethink.

“There will be no room for thought-induced fear among the roaring oceans, far out at sea, where intuition rules. The ability to analyse and ponder is all but banished by the challenges thrown up by the unpredictable sea, plus the exhaustion inflicted by the sleeping/working patterns of the yacht’s watch system. Goodbye stressful thoughts and worry. Hello scary sea!”

The 36-year-old has been training hard for the race, including embarking on a gym regime to improve his strength for the very physical challenge that lies ahead. “I’ve been working on my cardio and the rope machine at the gym has become a new friend of mine!”

Richard works in the digital media industry and will be joining 16 other crew and skipper Rupert Dean on board Welcome to Yorkshire.

“What better boat for me to be on than one that represents my past, present and future – my home Yorkshire! I’m proud to represent the county that has become my home and given me so much.”

Now in its 15th year, the Clipper Race was founded by legendary sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in 1968-69.

Sir Robin says: “Richard will be joining almost 3,500 people who have made the Clipper experience a turning point in their lives. We want people to finish the race thinking that’s the best thing they have ever done. Anyone can join these people and reach the pinnacle of sporting achievement. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply – there is no upper age limit – and no sailing experience is required as we provide full training.”

Richard is using his adventure to raise money for his own Time to Change campaign and has set up an ambitious charity fundraising target of £1 for every one of the 7,400 miles he sails to donate to Mind.

He has created a website that offers information and advice relating to mental health “to help sufferers keep afloat” called “I hate sinking”, and is already receiving great support in his venture having raised more than £1,000 after going live just two weeks ago.

Further information on Richard’s quest including how to make donations can be found at: http://www.ihatesinking.com/index.html