The boat of hope – Bernie Hollywood OBE’s latest campaign to raise vital funds and awareness for children and young people’s mental health issues – will today be launched at an exclusive unveiling ceremony at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.
Shocked by the impact of the past year on young people’s mental wellbeing, serial philanthropist Bernie Hollywood is determined to make a difference.
In December 2022, the 63-year-old will take on an awe-inspiring solo row of 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness and funds jointly for charities, Samaritans and Love Rowing.
The ceremony today will see Minister for Mental Health Gillian Keegan MP unveiling the specially commissioned Rannoch boat in which Bernie will be taking on a transatlantic row hoping to raise £1 million.
Positioned in front of The Queen’s House, the boat’s exterior mural, designed by artist Justin Eagleton and featuring the six winning artwork entries from ParentPay’s national schools art competition, will be publicly revealed for the very first time.
Guest speakers at the event will include Clint Wilson, EdTech entrepreneur and corporate development director of the campaign’s principal partner, ParentPay.
The ceremony will also feature the launch of ‘Bernie and Boatie’ a children’s picture book written and developed by author Natalie Reeves-Billing in support of the campaign, as well as the premier of an animated trailer narrated by pop icon Melanie C and Doctor Who actor Sacha Dhawan.
Commenting on the event, Bernie Hollywood OBE said: “I am absolutely delighted to have our boat of hope charity partners, Samaritans and Love Rowing, here today, and that the Minister for Mental Health Gillian Keegan MP is also lending her support.
“The unveiling of the boat marks a key milestone in the campaign, as we work to raise vital funds and awareness for young people’s mental health issues.”
Minister for mental health Gillian Keegan added: “The past 18 months have been challenging for us all, and the pandemic shone a light on the fact that our mental health and wellbeing is as important as our physical health.
“Volunteer organisations play a vital role, alongside NHS services, in providing crucial support for people struggling with their mental health. Throughout the pandemic, we gave £10.2 million to mental health charities, including Samaritans, to ensure they could continue to be there for those who need them.
“It is great to see Bernie raising funds for such a worthwhile cause and it’s crucial we continue to raise awareness so everyone, including children and young people, feels more comfortable opening up about their mental health”
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