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TV sports presenter Gabby Logan paid a visit to Buckinghamshire New University to cheer on staff and students taking part in a rowing challenge in aid of .

The journalist and former international gymnast supported people at the University who were rowing 2020 metres each, or in pairs, for , an initiative involving colleges and universities nationwide.

The University aims to row a total of 2,020 miles and raise up to £3,000 by the beginning of March to contribute towards Row Britannia’s £1.5 million target to donate to charities providing mental health support for young people. 

Gabby, a Row Britannia patron, was joined by Paralympic gold medallist, and Bucks New University graduate, Naomi Riches MBE.

Gabby said: “Row Britannia is a fantastic campaign which I am delighted to see many universities, like Bucks New University, supporting.

“The more we talk about mental health can only help and in many ways students are among the most important people as they are the next generation and will not tolerate dealing with it on their own.

“Mental wellbeing should be treated with the same importance as physical wellbeing. It’s okay not to feel down and not to feel on top of your game every day, and to appreciate that support is available.”

Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor of the University; Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brooks; Tao Warburton, President of the University’s Students’ Union; and Chair of Council and University Pro-Chancellor Dr Michael Hipkins, all joined in the effort, alongside staff and students.

Prof Braisby said the University was ‘extremely proud’ to be supporting Row Britannia.

He added: “The University and Bucks Students’ Union are very pleased to be doing our bit towards Row Britannia’s £1.5 million target to charities providing mental health support for young people.

“Our aim is for all our students and staff to look after their mental health as they would their physical health, and through Row Britannia we are pleased to raise vital funds and awareness while encouraging people to be active and reflect on their entire wellbeing outside the University.”

Phil Packer, founder of Row Britannia, said he appreciated the University’s backing.

He said: “It has been fantastic to have such a wide range of people taking part from across the University and I thank the University for their support. We are looking to build momentum to raise much-needed funds and provide vital mental health support.

"The University has a vested interest in young people’s mental health and it is fantastic to see them supporting the challenge.”

Row Britannia is an inclusive mental health, fitness and wellbeing challenge by , which supports and collaborates with charities and organisations to help transform the lives of young people across the UK, between 16-25, who are facing trauma and adversity.