Sam Allison, 21, presses on with his ambitious 1,500-mile skateboarding journey from Brighton to Morocco despite having his possessions stolen in France, aiming to raise awareness and funds for mental health through the Ben Raemers Foundation.
A remarkable journey has unfolded as Sam Allison, a 21-year-old skateboarder from East Sussex, embarks on a 1,500-mile adventure from Brighton to Tangier, Morocco, to raise funds for mental health awareness through the Ben Raemers Foundation. This foundation, established in memory of the professional skateboarder Ben Raemers, aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the skate community, an endeavour Sam feels particularly passionate about given his own struggles with mental health.
However, this inspiring quest faced an unexpected hurdle when all of Allison's possessions, including his passport, were stolen while he was camping in France. Feeling "defeated" at first, he resolved not to let this setback define his journey. Instead, he quickly made plans to secure an emergency travel document and replace essential items, demonstrating resilience that deeply resonates with his mission to raise awareness about mental health. “It is what it is. Life happens,” he reflected in a video shared on social media, revealing a blend of disappointment and determination.
The journey itself is no small feat. Allison has committed to skating approximately 48.2 kilometres daily over 55 days, with his best friend Lucas Perrin accompanying him on a bicycle for parts of the route. This companionship aims to bolster morale and ensure he stays hydrated through regions noted for their challenging terrains. Starting from Brighton, Allison aims to navigate through the heart of France, passed Chartres and onward to Bordeaux, and eventually through Spain to reach North Africa.
Raising more than £3,700 through a crowdfunding page, Allison seeks to bring attention to the challenges many skateboarding enthusiasts face regarding mental health. Expressing gratitude towards the Ben Raemers Foundation, he noted, “They are also giving accessibility to skaters within the industry to focus on improving mental health and easier access to services for mental health, which is truly incredible.” This issue resonates deeply within the skate community, where personal stories of mental health struggles often go untold.
Additionally, the skateboarding scene in Morocco has been blossoming, with initiatives to develop local skate parks and promote skating as a healthy outlet. Locations like Taghazout have become popular spots not just for international tourists but also for local youths, facilitating a dynamic environment for self-expression and community building. Allison's journey, reminiscent of these burgeoning skate cultures, is likely to inspire many as it shines a spotlight on both the thrill of adventure and the seriousness of mental health discussions in the sport.
As he continues his journey toward Tangier, Sam Allison embodies a blend of adventure, activism, and personal growth, demonstrating how one can transform adversity into a platform for change. His determination reflects a broader narrative within the skating community—a movement toward openness and dialogue around mental health—a message that is becoming increasingly vital in today's society.
If you or someone you know is struggling, mental health support can be accessed through various hotlines, including the Samaritans in the UK and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the USA, ensuring no one has to face their challenges alone.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is current, detailing Sam Allison's ongoing 1,500-mile skateboarding journey from Brighton to Tangier, Morocco, to raise funds for the Ben Raemers Foundation. The earliest known publication date of similar content is May 8, 2025, in a report by Imogen Howse on khq.com. ([khq.com](https://www.khq.com/national/man-skateboarding-1-500-miles-from-uk-to-africa/article_35cdcba8-3e03-502e-b602-3f9dd42d8df6.html?utm_source=openai)) The report mentions that Allison is currently in Chartres, France, and heading to Bordeaux, indicating the journey is in progress. The Independent article provides additional details and context, suggesting it is a more recent publication. There is no evidence of the narrative being republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found between the sources. The article includes updated data and provides new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Sam Allison in the article, such as "It is what it is. Life happens," and "They are also giving accessibility to skaters within the industry to focus on improving mental health," appear to be original and not found in earlier material. No identical quotes were found in earlier publications, indicating potential originality or exclusivity. The wording of the quotes matches the context and tone of the narrative, with no significant variations noted.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Independent, a reputable UK-based news organisation known for its journalistic standards. The Ben Raemers Foundation, mentioned in the report, is a legitimate organisation established in memory of professional skateboarder Ben Raemers, who tragically died by suicide in May 2019. ([thebenraemersfoundation.com](https://thebenraemersfoundation.com/about/?utm_source=openai)) The foundation aims to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the skateboarding community. Sam Allison, the subject of the report, is a 21-year-old skateboarder from East Sussex, and his fundraising efforts are documented on his GoFundMe page. ([gofundme.com](https://www.gofundme.com/f/skating-to-africa-brighton-to-tangier?utm_source=openai)) All entities mentioned are verifiable and have a public presence.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative's claims are plausible and consistent with known information. Sam Allison's journey from Brighton to Tangier to raise funds for the Ben Raemers Foundation aligns with his personal experiences and the foundation's mission. The report includes specific details, such as the route through France and Spain, and mentions of locations like Chartres and Bordeaux, which are consistent with the journey's progression. The tone and language used are appropriate for the context and region, with no inconsistencies noted. The structure of the narrative focuses on relevant details without excessive or off-topic information. The tone is consistent with typical journalistic reporting, neither unusually dramatic nor vague.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, originating from a reputable source, and presents plausible and original content. All quotes are unique and not found in earlier material, and the information aligns with known facts about Sam Allison's journey and the Ben Raemers Foundation. No significant issues were identified in the freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility checks.
