This January, stem4 is proud to launch Alan’s One Million Metre Challenge, a year-long rowing challenge that combines physical endurance with a powerful commitment to young people’s mental health.
Having already begun on New Year’s Day, Alan Kelly will row 1 million metres (1,000 kilometres) across 2026 with a clear goal, to raise £10,000 for stem4 and help increase awareness of our evidence-based digital mental health support for children and young people.
Meet Alan
Alan Kelly is a financial services professional who lives in Southwest London. Outside of work, Alan is a father of three teenagers, giving him first-hand insight into the pressures young people face today, from school exams and social media to friendships and identity.
Alan is also a trustee of stem4, helping to guide and support the charity’s work at a strategic level.
It is this personal perspective, alongside a long-standing interest in resilience and wellbeing, that inspired Alan to take on a challenge that requires consistency, patience and determination rather than speed or spectacle.
The Challenge: One Million Metres
Starting on New Year’s Day 2026, Alan will row 1 million metres over the course of the year.
To put that distance into context, 1 million metres is roughly the entire length of the UK, from the north coast of Scotland to the south coast of England. Alan’s progress will be visualised as a journey across the country, making each kilometre tangible and shareable as the year unfolds.
The fundraising target is intentionally simple:
* 1p sponsors 1 metre
* £10 sponsors 1 kilometre
* £100 sponsors 10 kilometres
Small donations really do add up over a year of steady effort.
Why Alan Is Supporting stem4
Alan explains his motivation clearly:
“I’m rowing 1 million metres in 2026 to raise £10,000 for stem4, supporting children and young people with their mental health through free, evidence-based digital tools. I hope this challenge demonstrates the dedication and resilience that are vital tenets of good mental health. Some days are hard, but with the right strategies and the right people around you, you can get through them.”
stem4’s work focuses on exactly that, giving children, young people and families practical tools and trusted information to help them navigate challenges and build resilience over time.
How to Support the Challenge
There is one simple way to donate, through Alan’s JustGiving page, which is directly linked to stem4 and Gift Aid enabled.
Follow the Journey
Alan’s One Million Metre Challenge is not just about rowing alone. Friends, colleagues and supporters are invited to:
- Row alongside Alan for individual sessions or mini-challenges
- Share progress updates
- Help spread the word
Key milestones will be shared throughout the year, alongside regular updates on distance covered and funds raised.
Latest updates:
Latest updates:
Looking Ahead
We’ll be following Alan’s progress closely, sharing updates on social media and in our newsletter. Each metre rowed helps fund stem4’s work and raises awareness of the importance of accessible mental health support for children and young people.
Thank you for supporting Alan, and for supporting stem4.
