Watering The Mind
- By: John Dempster
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/watering-the-mind
- Date Created: 9 April 2020
Personal message
Watering The Mind is a campaign to help raise awareness for mental health issues in South Africa through competing in one of the hardest ocean rowing races in the world. In December 2019, John Dempster will attempt to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in the 2019 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. John has partnered with The South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to help speak out about the mental health struggles that he has faced in his life, while hoping to inspire other South African’s to seek help for their own mental health issues.
To be able to complete this challenge of epic proportions, John will spend anywhere between 30 to 96 days on board a 26ft rowing boat! The challenge will test John's physical and mental endurance while he rows for 2 hours on, 2 hours off the entire time. John will be the youngest South African to ever attempt an Atlantic solo row by over 10 years!
In attempting to complete the Atlantic challenge, John hopes to break the stigma attached to people who have suffered from Mental Health issues in their life. To do this, John has partnered with the South African Depressions and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and their "Suicide Shouldn't Be A Secret" programme which aims to lower teenage suicide rates in SA by interacting and educating rural high schools. Suicide is the third highest cause of death in SA teenagers, accounting for a shocking 9.5% of all teenage deaths!
ANY DONATION SIZE IS WELCOME!
**AS OF THE START OF THE ROW, ALL DONATIONS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO SADAG
Social Media
WATERING THE MIND
By: Braving Troubled Waters
**Each Teen Suicide Prevention talk is run for an entire school, class by class.
The South African Depression And Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the leading Mental Health charity in South Africa. Despite their gallant efforts Mental Health continues to have a massive stigma attached to it in South Africa, highlighted by the fact the less 2% of the country has access to secondary care. Through my campaign I’m hoping to bring further awareness to Mental Health by showing what is still possible for those who suffer from issues. I’m also fundraising to help SADAG’s drives to curb teen suicide in South Africa through their “Suicide Shouldn’t be a Secret” programme.
Donations
- Feb 21, 2020 - R 1 200.00 Fees covered
- "Well done John - for the rowing effort but more importantly for raising awareness of such an important issue affecting so many young lives. Lydia would have been really proud of you x" - Lesley Haddow
- Feb 17, 2020 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "Courageous! Wonderful cause.... thank you " - Miller’s - fellow rower family
- Feb 17, 2020 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "You are an inspiration and have shown just how strong the human mind and body can be." - Tess & Stu
- Feb 13, 2020 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "By showing up for yourself, and prioritising your own wellbeing and mental health, you create the space and the encouragement for others to do so. Thank you! " - Anonymous
- Feb 13, 2020 - USD $ 105.20 Fees covered
- "The end is near! What an amazing achievement. Well done " - Susan Graaff
- Feb 11, 2020 - R 1 000.00
- "Awesome effort John, looking forward to hearing about your adventure!" - Louise Clamp
- Jan 14, 2020 - R 5 000.00 Fees covered
- "Well done John on accepting this challenge" - David Roberts Family
- Jan 07, 2020 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
- "Great Effort " - Murray Calder
- Dec 20, 2019 - R 3 000.00 Fees covered
- "Good Luck John thinking of you." - Mark Wilson
- Dec 13, 2019 - USD $ 35.88 Fees covered
- "Good luck!" - Anonymous
- Dec 12, 2019 - R 5 000.00 Fees covered
- "Enjoy binging on Blue Planet 3. You are an amazing guy. Go get it " - Boynton family
- Dec 11, 2019 - R 3 000.00 Fees covered
- "Incredibly brave and courageous. Exceed expectations!" - Anonymous
- Dec 08, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "Good Luck John" - Matthew Boynton
- Oct 02, 2019 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
- "Wishing you all the strength you need." - Peter Davidson
- May 21, 2019 - USD $ 731.22 Fees covered
- "God speed John, on your journey of healing and renewal, as your endeavours in turn help heal many others" - Anonymous
- Mar 29, 2019 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
- "Good luck!" - Alex Du Toit
- Feb 14, 2019 - USD $ 37.45 Fees covered
- "Onwards and upwards" - Marcelle Stastny
- Feb 08, 2019 - R 1 200.00 Fees covered
- "Good luck John - wishing you the best from SCB (Michael's colleagues)" - Richard L
- Feb 07, 2019 - R 200.00 Fees covered
- "You've got this Jono. All our love " - D Pugh
- Jan 26, 2019 - R 500.00 Fees covered
- "You're a champ! Such an inspiring story and great message. Best of luck, will be supporting you the whole way! " - Lauren Simpson
- Jan 18, 2019 - R 1 000.00 Fees covered
- "Happy birthday. I am so proud of you x" - Zilla
- Jan 16, 2019 - R 5 000.00 Fees covered
- "So proud of you Runt! " - Megan Dempster
Statistics
Fundraising target
R 200 000.00Donations to date
R 233 377.55Funds raised offline
R 190 100.00The South African Depression and Anxiety Group
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group is a Mental Health NGO offering free telephonic counselling for Mental Health isuues. SADAG is also invoved in other projects including teen suicide prevention and mental health education and awareness.