Rowing for Those Who Serve: Guinness World Record Attempt to Fund 1,000 Free Mental Health Calls for the UK’s Armed Forces
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
On 3 October 2026, VÕS HELP founder James Priestley will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance rowed in 12 hours.
The challenge will take place at Port d’Andratx Gym in Mallorca and aims to raise funds to provide 1,000 free mental health support calls for serving personnel, veterans, and military families from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
While the challenge itself is physical, the mission behind it is deeply personal.
Supporting the Mental Health of the Armed Forces Community
Every day, members of the Armed Forces community face unique challenges. Operational deployments, separation from family, transitioning to civilian life, injury, trauma, and the pressures of military service can all have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.
Despite growing awareness, many people still struggle to access support quickly when they need it most.
That is where VÕS HELP and FAST HELP CIC aim to make a difference.
Our goal is simple.
To ensure that serving personnel, veterans, and military families can access professional mental health support without long waiting times.
Every pound raised through this challenge will help fund free one hour support calls delivered by qualified mental health professionals.
The Challenge
The Guinness World Record attempt will require James to row continuously for 12 hours on a Concept2 rowing machine.
Target distance: 153,000 metres
Duration: 12 hours
Date: 3 October 2026
Location: Port d’Andratx Gym, Mallorca
The challenge will test physical endurance, mental resilience, nutrition strategy, pacing, and determination.
However, the real goal is not the record itself.
The real goal is to raise enough funds to provide 1,000 free mental health support calls to those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
Why Mental Health Support Matters
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of rank, role, or background.
Many serving personnel and veterans face stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or the lasting impact of traumatic experiences.
Early intervention can make a significant difference.
By providing access to fast, professional support, we hope to ensure that more members of the Armed Forces community receive help before reaching crisis point.
Every free call funded through this campaign represents an opportunity for someone to speak with a qualified professional, access support, and take a positive step forward.
About VÕS HELP
VÕS HELP is a mental health platform designed to connect people with qualified professionals quickly and affordably.
The platform provides access to professional support through secure calls and messaging, helping individuals access help when they need it most.
Founded by James Priestley, winner of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins Series 5, VÕS HELP was created with a mission to remove barriers to mental health support and ensure help is available when people need it.
How You Can Help
There are several ways you can support this challenge:
• Donate to help fund free mental health calls
• Share the campaign on social media
• Tell friends, family, colleagues, and military contacts about the challenge
• Follow the training journey and Guinness World Record attempt
• Encourage organisations to support the campaign
Together, we can provide 1,000 free mental health support calls to serving personnel, veterans, and military families across the United Kingdom.
Join the Mission
Breaking a Guinness World Record would be an incredible achievement.
Helping 1,000 members of the Armed Forces community access professional mental health support would be even greater.
Thank you for supporting this mission and helping ensure that those who serve our country never have to face their challenges alone.
For updates, donations, and information about VÕS HELP, visit www.voshelp.com.
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