Antonio set out to 'Toto' that kayak for mental health charity and pulled it off!
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Money is still coming in after an epic – and maiden – journey across Scotland by kayak by a Kincraig adventurer.
Antonio Vastano – Toto his his friends – has so far amassed more than £2200 for mental health charity Birchwood Highland.
No kayaker until the event itself, Toto had put in some training before hand and set himself a modest target of £1000 before launching at Pittenweem on August 1
.
He kayaked round Fife, along the Forth/Clyde Canal, up the West Coast to the Caledonian Canal and up Loch Ness, arriving at Dores beach 10 days later.
A budding adventurer and experienced sportsman, the 26-year-old sportsman started competing in biathlons while still at school and represented Scotland and the UK at international level.
He then decided to take up professional football, playing for Strathspey Thistle, Elgin City and The Spartans in Edinburgh.
After moving to Australia to play professional football there, he returned to his home in Badenoch in search of new challenges.
Being acutely aware of the problems of mental ill health, especially among young people in the Highlands, Toto decided to make a difference by raising money for Birchwood Highland.
After training for four weeks and establishing a Go Fund Me page, he launched his adventure with the support of his family and friends.
Toto said: “I can’t believe how many people were supporting me even at that stage.
“People I don’t know or had only met a couple of times – I am really grateful to them all not only for the money they have donated, but for cheering me on as I travelled.
“That support helped a lot when the going got tough.”
The high point for him was the solitude going through beautiful land and seascapes. The low point was definitely having to carry his 50 kilos kayak over seven locks where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness.
His parents were waiting to meet him at Dores. His father, Toni, a keen cyclist, said proudly: “It shows what guts and determination can do.”
However, his mother, Ann said that, although she is also very proud of his achievement, “I’m just glad he’s home safe and sound.”
David Brookfield, Birchwood Highland chief executive, said: “We are all in complete awe of what Toto has achieved and are very grateful to him for the money he has raised.
“This money will go towards supporting people who are facing a particularly difficult time, especially due to the current pandemic.
Donations can still be made here
