Islander to row from New York to Stornoway

Islander to row from New York to Stornoway 15/4/14

Stornoway man Niall Iain Macdonald has confirmed he will set off at the end of May in an attempt to row 3,400 miles across the North Atlantic Ocean – on his own.

The challenge is a gruelling test of endurance and the 39-year-old hopes to raise £100,000 worth of vital support for Scotland’s leading mental health charity, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health), which supports over 2,500 people with mental health problems every day.

Only 10 people have successfully rowed from the West to East across the North Atlantic – more people have actually walked on the moon. The solo North Atlantic row is expected to take three months.

Inverness-born adventurer, Niall Iain, is taking on the mammoth challenge to support a charity very close to his heart. SAMH campaign and fund crucial work providing help, information and support for people with mental health problems.

Having experienced depression, Niall Iain said: “With the help and support of family, friends and various health services, I overcame my problems.

“Since then I have tried to use my own experience to get people to talk more openly about mental health and show them that there is help and they are not alone.

“I am both excited and nervous to undertake the biggest challenge of my life to help raise funds for SAMH to continue their crucial work.”