From depression to expression. One Man. One Goal.

This story is about a man called John Dennis (that's me).  John suffers from depression.  But until two years ago he just hadn't realised.  His wife, Heidi, noticed it first.  He just wasn't the same and it became more and more noticeable to everyone else.  But John just couldn't see it himself, and I'm sure that’s something a lot of us can relate to.  It’s been an often painful journey of self-discovery for John, after his initial diagnosis from his doctor two years ago, and an uphill struggle to understand how this affects him and countless others.  His initial refusal to accept his condition, he believes, comes from the stigma and taboo associated with mental illness and people’s unwillingness to discuss it.

Spreading the word: 

Since then, John has become increasingly active about spreading awareness of depression, trauma and mental illness.  Talking about his own experience and encouraging people to open up and talk about issues which are often ignored or brushed under the carpet because they make us feel uncomfortable.  He continues to raise awareness for people of all ages through depression and trauma, which is where Expedition dare2express was born.

Fulfilling a childhood dream, testing his limits and ultimately drawing attention to a condition that affects at least 1 in 4 people in globally today, John is attempting a solo, unaided expedition to the South Pole to raise awareness for people just like him.  And he needs your help.  John needs sponsors, equipment, supplies and funds to cover the operational costs associated with an undertaking of this magnitude.

Sponsorship:

An expedition of this magnitude costs money and goodness knows, John needs it. But its not just about the need of funding; it is about creating a partnership. A union, working on the same path to bring your brand to the forefront of this epic adventure. Its about creating a partnership that is more than financial. Its about creating a partnership that is equal, firm, and single minded in its approach to deliver the very best message and convey to people that our partnership is a strong one. So strong in fact, your company brand is recognized in this socially important expedition and championed this record making trip.

This entire journey is more about it's social impact, inspiration and determination than the actual event itself. 

We feel there are brilliant opportunities for commercial partners to come on-board, with varying tiers of sponsorship. John has been working tirelessly to raise the profile of the expedition and its social importance, with this hard work being evident through the support has has in several countries. His media engagement has been good (and increasing), with published column in a paper in New Zealand and regular slots with BBC Radio Solent. BBC South has given the exped a full day of coverage, with follow up pieces planned, pre and post expedition. 

John needs to raise a final total of £38k for the logistics to make his journey, from conception to reality. We've had some great initial support from companies, though we have this shortfall that we need help with. The funds will be used to cover the costs of the logistics needed for John’s safety on the ice.

“If I can complete this route in under 37 days, it would be a fantastic achievement. However, if I can raise awareness for depression and it helps people, all the sacrifices that I've asked my family to endure will be made worth it, and will also make the record equally as satisfying.” says John.

If you can spare 3 minutes, watch his video message, share his story and help deliver it.  

Cheers,

John Dennis

www.dare2express.org - www.facebook.com/expd2e - www.twitter.com/expd2e