Emily King, one of the UK’s longest standing and most successful paddle board athletes is today completing day three of Kings Challenge, which will see her run a marathon across this Isle of Wight.
On Saturday, supported by Island SUP Athlete and Explorer, Charlie Head, she became the first woman to circumnavigate the Island. Having face a challenging cross wind crossing from the Needles to St Catherine’s, the pair finally completed their circumnavigation in just under 18 hours!
Less than eight hours later, Emily was on her bike cycling around the Island. Completing the 90km in just over ten hours.
Today, at the start of Mental Health Awareness week, setting off from the Needles, she is running a marathon across the spine of the Island – aiming to complete it in 6 hours.
Having experienced PTSD and agoraphobia following a vicious dog, Emily is a passionate supporter of mental health and wellbeing. She is completing this epic challenge in aid of the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, helping to raise awareness of, and vital funds for the charity. The Youth Trust provides free confidential counselling, psychotherapy and wellbeing services to children and young people aged 4-25 on the Island.
Young mental health has unquestionably been damaged over the past two years as a result of the pandemic. Figures released in 2021 estimate that one in six young people have a probable mental health condition – this represents 5 children in an average class of 30. The Youth Trust is facing unprecedented demand for its services and funds raised by Emily will be used to provide ecotherapy to children and young people on the Island.
Emily has raised over £2,250 to date but would still like to raise more for the Youth Trust – please support her if you can.
News shared by Michelle on behalf of Isle of Wight Youth Trust. Ed
