Posted July 18, 200817 yr Will Young's twin in river bid By James Wallin Source: swindonadvertiser A PEDALLING pop idol is helping his twin brother in an unconventional quest to raise money for his charity. Rupert Young, the twin of singer Will Young, will launch his 133-mile trip on a pedalo outside the Trout Inn, in Lechlade tomorrow at 11am. He is raising money for his Mood Foundation, which helps people battling addiction and depression. Rupert, 29, will be joined on his four-man pedalo by a number of famous faces along the route. As well as his celebrity sibling, there will be TV presenter Dermot O'Leary, singer Rachel Stevens and writer Sebastian Faulks. The challenge will be launched by Rupert, alongside TV survival expert, Bear Grylls. Rupert hopes to raise awareness of the plight of addicts and those cursed by addiction. He will also be raising money for his charity, which he launched after his own battle with alcohol and drugs. He said: "One of the things I want to achieve is to show that asking for help is okay, because that's a hugely important step for anyone fighting depression. "I also want people to see what it is possible to achieve for a person who has suffered depression and addiction problems and is now at peace with himself." Rupert explained that through his years of depression and self-harm he alienated his family, including his famous brother, and is now delighted to have reforged his relationship. He said: "During that time William lost his brother, just like my parents lost their son and it's so nice to have that relationship back again. "During the time when I was literally drinking 24/7 I would often see William on the TV, and I then was glad that I was hidden away, that I wasn't causing problems for him and my family. "Now I'm able to be part of their life again." Rupert explained that his choice of vehicle was a reflection of his character. He said: "I'm not a conventional sort of person so I wanted to choose something that reflected that. "In the end it was either a pedallo or an old tin bath. I eventually found a pedallo for £20 and cleaned it up myself. "It will certainly be a challenge." Rupert will peddle past the finishing line with his brother on August 2, in London. He is hoping to raise as much money as possible along the way for his foundation, which aims to match people up with therapists who can help them escape from their condition. For more information and to make a donation go to foundation's website at www.moodfoundation.com. 10:29pm Tuesday 15th July 2008 © Copyright 2001-2008 Newsquest Media Group
