An outdoor coach from Patrick completed his gruelling 24-hour challenge of kayaking around the island solo.

Kim Tastagh was ’pretty pleased’ to make it back on to shore after spending a day and night battling waves, the wind and tides in aid of Isle Listen - a charity which provides mental health support for children and young adults.

The Adventurous Experiences coach, who says he’s personally dealt with mental health issues, set off at 8.30pm from Peel and headed south.

Kim was initially out at sea in complete darkness, with no one else in sight. On land were friends, Sam Murphy and Fergus Veale, who were on hand to give support when needed.

’I was 100% on edge the whole time,’ Kim said.

’The first eight of the 24 hours were horrific, but beautiful.

’There were 30mph-plus headwinds with at least one metre of swell jumping conditions up magnificently on all headlands and tidal races.

’Kayaking at night-time on your own, unable to see anything other than the odd silhouette in the distance, makes you feel extremely vulnerable and isolated. Fortunately there is always a positive. All the darkness that surrounded me for the first eight hours enabled a magical show of bioluminescence.’

The aim was to paddle for 24 hours and see how far he could get round the island.

He admitted two occasions where he seriously considered stopping. One included when his head torch died. Having persevered, he finished in Ballaugh.

His efforts have raised nearly £3,000 for Isle Listen.

’Isle Listen are making a positive impact daily to peoples lives and I believe that the work they do is absolutely incredible, but ultimately life-changing to many individuals,’ he said. ’If you’re not feeling happy, not feeling yourself, don’t do what I did and bury your head in the sand for many sorrowful months! Go find someone you’re happy talking to and trust. Everyone has a mental health that needs constant maintenance.

’I was under-educated and under-experienced in mental health in general as well as my own. I let my ego get in the way of identifying and accepting that I was in fact struggling and no longer happy with day to day life.’

Kim thanked his sponsors for their support. See: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kim-tastagh?