APIA, SAMOA, January 23, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Aussie police officer Andy Warton will make history this April by kayaking almost 400 kilometers solo around Samoa.

In 90 days from now Andy will circumnavigate the Independent State of Samoa as part of Kayak4Youth to raise money and awareness for the prevention of youth suicide and mental illness. "A few years ago, within a short space of time, I lost two friends to suicide, one of whom I was particularly close to", says Andy.

"So to me it made sense to combine my kayak adventure with support for a worthy social cause and it was then Kayak4Youth was born". Andy's voyage mirrors the key message of Kayak4Youth - 'sometimes you may be by yourself, but you are never alone'.

"My challenge is a metaphor for the journey many young people are undertaking in their personal lives - while life has its uncertainties there are many opportunities out there as well", he says. Funds raised from Andy's challenge will be donated to Samoa's only counselling service and Lifeline - Faataua Le Ola (FLO).

"Here in Samoa the effects of tropical Cyclone Evan are still being felt by many of the people," says Andy. "Watching how the staff at FLO have been helping these people has been very humbling and is a timely reminder that my journey is more important now than it's ever been before."

Andy's journey is being recorded by a team of filmmakers who are aiming to produce a feature length documentary about the journey and the issues of suicide and mental illness.

For more information contact Sophie Budvietas on 00116857628626 or on email at sophiejprice@gmail.com or at www.kayak4youth.com.

Kayak4Youth is the planned circumnavigation of Samoa by kayak to raise funds and awareness for the prevention of youth suicide.

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