Paul Norris, of Bush Adventures UK in Thetford, talks about past mental health issues in run up to cross country paddleboard challenge for Suicide Prevention UK

The owner of a Thetford outdoor activities business and his life-long friend are set to paddleboard a 162-mile trial from one side of England to the other tomorrow to raise money and spread awareness about suicide prevention – a subject close to his heart.

Paul ‘Chuck’ Norris and Ant Ing will ride the east to west coast canoe trail from Liverpool to The Humber in Goole in under five days and sleep rough whilst raising money for Suicide Prevention UK

This January will mark eight years since Chuck, who runs Bush Adventures UK in the town, overcame several negative spirals of suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges.

He said: “My mental health issues seemed to come from nowhere back then and I had lots of really good mental health care and support from the NHS, including West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, as well as family and friends, so I consider myself one of the lucky ones.

“Doing something like this has been something I have been wanting to do for about six years, but due to various injuries and the pandemic it kept getting delayed.

“Now that me and Ant are doing this, and for the charity as well, I want it to offer a candle of light and hope to others facing similar struggles.”

The pair have set up a JustGiving page which has already raised just under £2,000, but Chuck also hopes that people hearing about the challenge and his own struggles will either get help if they feel they need it or for others to check up on their own nearest and dearest.

He said: “Life can be difficult, everyone has problems, but talking about it either by telling others how you are feeling or just calling someone to check how they are doing can really help.

“Talking is just so important and can get others to open up, it is something we do not do enough of in this country.

“I would not be here without that sort of support I had from family, friends and medical experts so I hope this challenge and the money it raises can help others go and get what they need too.”