Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Man taking on his fears with charity bungee jump
A DUNDEE man is set to confront his fear of heights by bungee jumping for mental health awareness.
Mark Smith, 40, hopes to raise money for charities, such as Andy’s Man Club, by taking on the jump at Killiecrankie Highland Fling on Saturday.
Alongside his independent music career launch, Mark is embarking on a year-long initiative combining fundraising and charity work.
He recently launched his debut single, Go To Work, and began the Team 365 movement on January 1 to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing.
As well as the bungee jump, Mark plans to walk the West Highland Way and remain sober for a year.
Mark said: “Every day sober I make it is in honour of those battling their own inner demons.
“The bungee jump, with its sheer height and terror, symbolises the daunting precipice many find themselves on when confronting substance abuse.
“With Team 365, I want to show that, yeah, it’s scary being at the bottom, but climbing back up is possible with your team, positivity and inner grit.”
The bungee jump challenge follows a 21-day water fast, daily cold plunges and 60 days of being sober.
Mark, who is also known as Shifty Presidents, was inspired by Angus Barbieri, a Dundee man who fasted for 382 days and lost 125 kilograms with no food intake.
He said: “In a time of overindulgence... I’ve managed to summon a similar spirit of perseverance and had massive moments of reflection and self-discovery.
“As Angus adapted to consuming no food and relied on multivitamins and other supplements, I’ve faced these physical and mental challenges and discovered the power of resilience and determination on the path to wellness and personal growth.”
Like Angus, Mark broke his fast with one boiled egg with a slice of bread and butter.
He is aiming to raise £100,000 for Andy’s Man Club with Breast Cancer Now, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the British Heart Foundation listed as other beneficiaries of the campaign.
Mark was born in Canada, raised in Chicago and now lives in Dundee.
As an independent hip-hop artist, he goes by Shifty Presidents and hopes to use his music “to spread positivity and resilience”.
He describes his new single as “an anthem encapsulating my relentless journey from a life in the shadows of substance abuse and depression to a life of sobriety and improved health”.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ p49jxd-go-to-work