Aaron Read is aiming to Make A Splash when he kayaks a 2300km stretch of the Murray River in 2021.
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His 60 day trek, which has been named Make A Splash Murray River Tour, will start at Albury going downstream along the Murray before finishing at Murray Bridge in South Australia.
As part of the challenge, Read will camp along the river banks and only stop in towns along the way to resupply himself with the necessities.
The former Deniliquin High School student, who now lives abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, is taking on the gruelling challenge in order to raise funds for mental health awareness charity LIVIN.
The 29 year-old said that LIVIN’s vision to break the stigma of mental health is a message close to his heart.
‘‘I have had my own battles with mental health from a young age, living with PTSD, anxiety and depression,’’ Read said.
‘‘I have been fortunate enough to overcome things that friends of mine were sadly unable to overcome.
‘‘It’s for that reason that it’s so important for me to be able to work with and raise money for a charity that really reaches out and gives back to the wider community through educational initiatives, and focuses their efforts on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the acceptance of reaching out and seeking help.
‘‘I feel as though LIVIN really aligns with my cause as well as I do theirs.
‘‘With this trip I hope to encourage and inspire others to take positive steps towards turning thought to action, whether that be seeking help, achieving a goal or simply getting out of bed in the morning.’’
Read moved to Deniliquin in 2004, where he lived for 11 years before moving away in 2015.
He made the big move to Denmark after meeting his wife Cecilie.
‘‘After meeting Cecilie, I decided to wing it and followed her back to Denmark and here we are five years later,’’ he said.
‘‘Currently we are living in Copenhagen with our three cats Bob, Bailey and Baloo.
‘‘I am an independent graphic illustrator which is pretty fantastic and flexible; it allows me to focus on things such as the upcoming trip and future adventures.’’
While growing up in Deni, Read has dreamt of kayaking along the Murray River for many years.
It was only recently that he decided it was time to just go out and go on his adventure.
‘‘Organising this event has been quite mellow so far, it’s a lot of networking and making sure all your legal paperwork and registrations are completed,’’ he said.
‘‘The idea has been in my mind for well over a decade.
‘‘However, at the start of this year I heard about British adventurer Ed Stafford and his journey being the first person to walk the length of the Amazon and it really inspired me and made me think, ‘why not go big, why not experience something amazing, pushing my own boundaries and doing it for a great cause?’
‘‘I grew up along the Murray River, I experienced some of the greatest and the worst moments of my life there.
‘‘For me it’s one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life, and to be able to explore the greater portion of it is not only a huge personal victory, but a healing experience.
‘‘Being able to partner with a charity like LIVIN makes it an even greater success.’’
Read has already started training for the long journey in Copenhagen, needing to ensure his body is in peak condition when he takes on the Murray.
He has been following a strength and endurance training regime five days a week involving weight lifting, cycling, running and sticking to a balanced nutrition plan.
‘‘I will also be getting quarterly physicals to keep track of my overall health and fitness,’’ he said.
‘‘When I was first planning this trip, it was important for me to firstly, do it solo, and secondly do it as self sufficiently as possible.
‘‘I have done some kayaking before, but never on this scale.
‘‘I have never done multi day trips via kayak, although I’m extremely excited for the new experience and everything that comes along with it.
‘‘The biggest challenge for me will be waiting until April 2021.
‘‘I am excited to just get out there, get underway and raise some much needed funds and awareness.’’
Read is on the hunt for sponsors and donors to support his cause, needing more funds in order to purchase the required equipment to keep him safe on his trek.
‘‘People can support the cause by visiting the Make A Splash website and donating directly to LIVIN or directly to Make A Splash,’’ he said.
‘‘All donations to Make A Splash go towards acquiring all essential equipment and services needed for this fundraiser to go ahead.
‘‘Your support means the world, so please don’t hesitate to visit the site and donate.’’
To donate or for more information visit www.makeasplashtour.com.
Follow his journey as he prepares for the kayak adventure with Instagram by following @makeasplashtour.
■ Anyone requiring crisis support can contact NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.