A Hampshire endurance athlete is aiming to be the first person to row solo, non-stop and unsupported around mainland Great Britain in a bid to highlight the lack of support for men in mental health crises.  

Angus Collins Will begin ‘A Great British Odyssey’ in June next year, setting off from Portsmouth Harbour. It could take up to 60 days with 18 hours of rowing a day, across a distance of more than 2,000 miles. 

The 35-year-old, who lives near Clanfield, will be rowing to raise £250,000 for James’ Place, which offers free and life saving treatment to men in suicidal crisis. 

He has previously suffered from his own mental health issues which culminated in a suicide attempt on his 30th birthday.

Angus said: “The UK is in the midst of a men’s mental health crisis and it's essential that when a man does ask for help, he gets the right support, quickly and easily. Sadly, I know from my own experiences that this isn’t always the case and people can be let down by a lack of resources and long waiting lists.

“James’ Place saves men at the lowest times of their lives and I want to raise much-needed funds for this important charity so that their teams can continue carrying out such essential work.”

The construction of the boat started earlier this month and is being built by a team of specialists in Cornwall. At just six metres long, it will be partially crafted from recycled carbon fibres and recycled drink bottles and flax fibres.

Angus comes from a family with a strong nautical history - his grandfather was a world champion sailor in the Flying Dutchman world championships in 1965 and his sister, Bella Collins, has also broken world records rowing both the Atlantic and mid-Pacific Oceans.