Paralympian, Tim Lodge, joins the BRIT Ambassador family and champions the BRIT 2021 Challenge

We are thrilled that Tim Lodge, GB Paralympic Canoeist, has joined our BRIT Ambassador family and is championing the BRIT 2021 Challenge.

Tim Lodge - GB Paralympic Canoeist and BRIT Ambassador

“Having battled with disability, depression and anxiety, I understand the challenges that mental health difficulties can bring, particularly for young adults. Having experienced bullying at school and the loss of my Dad at 14, I know how hard it can be to deal with feelings and emotions. I didn’t really address or understand them until later on in my life.

When I was younger, canoeing enabled me to focus on something positive. In 2013, I received a call from an old canoeing coach asking if I wanted to take up the sport again as it had become part of the Paralympic programme. That phone call changed my life. I have learnt so much on my journey to become a Paralympic Athlete and my passion now is to teach this to others.

I am delighted to be a BRIT Ambassador and to champion the BRIT 2021 Challenge. It is an inclusive event with many ways to take part (including canoeing, paddling and rowing) so that students and staff of all abilities can participate. The BRIT 2021 Challenge is a great way to improve mental health and fitness on campus or at home and be part of a team feel-good fundraiser. I encourage my fellow Olympians, Paralympians and sports personalities to join our BRIT Ambassador family, choose a university or college, and champion The BRIT Challenge. The aspiration is for every UK university and college to have a BRIT Ambassador and with the impact that COVID-19 is having on all our lives, there has never been a more important time to unite in support of young adult mental health.

I look forward to encouraging students and staff at Surrey University to embrace the BRIT 2021 Challenge and enter teams.”

Tim Lodge GB Paralympic Canoeist Chair of the International Canoe Federation Athletes Committee Member of the Athletes Rights and Responsibilities Committee for The International Olympic Committee

Away from his rigorous training regime as an elite athlete, Tim presents his unique learning experiences via workshops to companies across the UK through his company, ZENVAL.

Anyone interested in knowing more about canoeing can find out more on the British Canoeing website.