A man is set to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for the Samaritans.
Bernie Hollywood, 63, will partner with Split Perspectivz run by storytellers, Natalie Reeves Billing and Jude Lennon. They are creating 5,000 boxes that will accompany him on his journey filled with books, comics, activity books, papercrafts and a board game all with the theme of mental health.
The boat called The City of Liverpool will set off on December 12 from La Gomera, a small volcanic island near Tenerife and after 3,000 miles will arrive in the Caribbean. The journey, completely unsupported, will take 90 days and is part of the Talisker Whiskey challenge.
READ MORE: City charity is supporting women with 'life changing' project
Bernie told the ECHO: "I will be taking a set of Builder Book Boxes for the Primary Schools in Antigua. The Governor of the island has invited me to visit each school when I complete my row to give a talk to each school and present them with a Boat of Hope Builder Book Box".
The boat is covered in drawings of children who answered the question; ‘What does hope look like?’ They responded in art.
Jude said: "We’re running an assembly line to put these boxes together and we really need some volunteers to help us”. They begin on November 10 but need people mainly on November 11, 12, 15 - 19, email: Jude@littlelambpublishing.co.uk for times and more information.
With no support Bernie will have 90 days worth of food with him and will eat over 5,000 calories each day. He will also have a water maker which converts ocean salt water into fresh water.
Bernie has trained for over 18 months and completed 300 plus hours of training in his solo boat. He is not new to such challenges as he has been fundraising for over 40 years and raised over £40m for various charities in that time.
Bernie said: "I have adventures around the world trekking unsupported to both geographic poles, cycled across the world including cycling from the UK to North Africa and back. Holder of two running world records."
Natlie said: "Mental health has always been a massive inspiration for my writing, most of my children's books have something to do with feelings and managing emotions. That's why I coined the term 'Split Perspectivz', seeing life from many different angles, viewpoints, and experiences creates understanding, empathy and helps us understand ourselves and others.
"It was why I was keen to work alongside Bernie on this project and write the accompanying book Bernie and Boatie. Each year, we have to select a theme for our boxes. I am now the ambassador of the campaign.
"I have a three-book series of picture books dealing with topics such as depression, anxiety and grief in little ones, the latest: Where is My Smile? via Tiny Tree books".
Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool said: “Mental health has been a major concern for everyone during the pandemic, especially the impact on our youngest residents. It’s really important we listen and understand how our children and young people are feeling. One of our top priorities is ensuring the emotional well-being of our children is supported, enabling them to flourish in education and personal development. Initiatives such as Builder Book UK and the Boat of Hope campaign are key to delivering inspiration, support and guidance to families across Merseyside.”
For information about how to support Bernie and to follow his challenging and gruelling voyage visit: HERE
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
New Mersey Ferry to be built for first time in 60 years
More than 30 million households to get £500 extra in bank from this week
City centre pub transformed and given new name for huge TV series
Street taken back in time to 1770s for filming of major show
Gunman 'emerged from bushes' and shot two men at bonfire event
