BIG love, respect and thanks – from West Africa |

The River Gambia Expedition – Our unique way of thanking all those who helped us achieve this

Mission Accomplished – January 21st 2013! We made it – 1000km+ from the Fouta Djallon Highlands, in Guinea-Conakry – the Atlantic Ocean, in Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa

You all made this expedition possible – with your participation in ‘An Exchange’ and the Kickstarter campaign – in exchange for donations we offered Jason Floiro’s limited edition fine photography art prints, taken whilst on the River Gambia Expedition . For that, we were immensely humbled by your support and unprecedented generosity.

Before we first sent out our fundraising email , and later Kickstarter, we tried to think of a unique way of saying thank you to everyone who chipped in. And, along the way, we had fun doing this…so many people we met on the journey, who participated when we explained, loved the idea of it – and/or loved the camera! Either way, it worked out really well.

We have many more to come so please keep an eye out, if you donated, we’ll be putting up the photos as we wade through 3 months of images!

Florio is now in edit mode – all those images to go through take some doing! However, once we’ve done this, for all those who donated $100+, we’ll be putting together a PDF of a series of exclusive, limited edition expedition images. But, as promised, for every single person who helped us out, here are our personal thanks all the way from West Africa; taken whilst on the ‘River Gambia Expedition – 1000km source-sea African odssey’

We hope you enjoy the ‘thank yous’ – as much as we enjoyed capturing them.

Love, Respect & Massive Thanks!

The Florios (Helen & Flo) x

Fredrik Broden, Dallas, Texas – Kartong, The Gambia, West Africa

‘I’m sitting in Mexico w a tear in my eye and a lump I my throat, thanks for the beautiful gesture. What a worthy cause. So glad I could help out in a small way.’ Fredrik Broden

Julie Grahame –aCurator, Brooklyn, NY – River Gambia, Senegal

“You guys rock!” Julie Grahame/aCurator

Robert Wright, NY, USA – The River Gambia, Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

‘happy to be able to help out. good luck out there in the hinterland! Be well! Make pictures!’ Robert Wright Photo

Robert ‘Bob’ Jones – who was our very first donor © Jason Florio, Kedougou, Senegal

“Here’s a little help…I will be following your adventure. Be safe doing the good work. Your friend, Bob” Robert Jones

Mike – Opencast Software – , Sarah, Elizabeth & Gabe O’Brien, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK – Kartong, The Gambia, West Africa

Oskar Landi.com & Leslie Norvelle ‘Finding the Funk’ movie’ – Kedougou, Senegal

‘Jawa’ Jean Philipe Minart, Paris, France – Bonto, River Gambia, The Gambia, West Africa

‘We did not took the pirogue (through Niokolo Koba) and made our trip by the road. So bring back the images ! I’m dying to see them ! appreciated’ Jawa – Jean Philipe Minart

Danielle Pergament and Devin Friedman, Frankie and Fin – Tendaba, River Gambia, The Gambia, West Africa

Tyler Carter, USA – Kartong, The Gambia, West Africa

Teru Kuwayana, NY, USA – Bonto, River Gambia, The Gambia

Suzy ‘oi hippo, SOD OFF!’ Peters, Hampstead Village, London, UK – The River Gambia, Senegal

“Can I come?!” Suzy Peters

Imke Oster, New York, USA – Balingo Tenda, The Gambia, West Africa

– ‘So excited about your trip and experience – I will be sitting in my office vicariously living through you – be careful!’ Imke Oster

Kristen Wendt, NYC, NY, USA – River Gambia, Wassadou, Senegal

‘Your expeditions are so inspiring and I so enjoy hearing your stories…safe travels to you both. I can’t wait to read more as you guys begin your trip!’ Kristen Wendt

TRUNK Magazine, NYC, NY, USA – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

Fabri Martinelli – Kartong, The Gambia

The Sgobbi famiglia, Roma, Itay – The Gambia, West Africa

Andreas Garcia, Miami, Florida – Bonto, The Gambia, West Africa

Andy Katz Photography, California, USA – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

– ‘I’m very impressed with your project and wish you a wonderful trip. When you return to New York let’s get together I will supply the wine and food you supply the stories. All the best and happy trails’ Andy Katz Photography

Mandy Dakin – mandoux.co.uk – Bath, Somerset – Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Good luck with your adventure. I have spread the word and will keep doing it!’ Mandy Dakin – mandoux.co.uk

Nigel & Louisa Biggar, Toronto, Canada – Tendaba, The Gambia, West Africa

‘we look forward to getting updates from you so that we can follow your progress’. Nigel & Louisa Biggar

Stefan Falke Photography, Brooklyn, NY – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Thanks and good luck !!! Love your project and wish I could come along !! Haha …’ Stefan Falke Photography

Tempy Wright, Austin, TX, USA – Tendaba, The Gambia, West Africa

Neil, Nicola, Harry & Grace Cooper, Scarborough, UK – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

Ray Jarrell Entertainment, Brooklyn, NY – ‘Shadow’ Kartong, The Gambia, West Africa

Alison Correll, USA – Tendaba, The Gambia, West Africa

‘My sister is in the Peace Corp in Senegal right now and had the chance to travel down the Gambia river, she said it was beautiful. Good luck and watch out for hippos!’ Alison Correll

Heather, Mick, Jake and Sean, Desford, Leicestershire, UK – The Alkalo (chief) of Balingo Tenda, The Gambia, West Africa

Craig Howarth and Molly Gross, Brooklyn, NY – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

Richard Glynn – Wideyed, UK – Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa © Jason Florio

“Good luck with the rest of the fundraising! A small donation from a fellow photographer” Richard Glynn – Wideyed

Gilly Clifford & Sam Roberts – ‘Ghost Signs’, and Curvso (VSO’s in Cambodia) Cambodia, SE Asia- Jangjangbureh, The Gambia, W Africa

‘I just wanted to say good luck with the fund raising and the expedition. Watch out for all the hippos! I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing experience!’ Gilly Clifford & Sam Roberts

Christina Russo, California, USA – Balingo Point, The Gambia, West Africa

Joanne Jones/Rabart, Bath, UK – Jangjangbureh, The Gambia, West Africa

Michael and Liz Horlick, Hyattsville, MD, USA – Brefert, River Gambia, West Africa

Jonathan Bulkeley, NYC, NY, USA – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Love you guys and can’t wait to see you upon your return…proud to be a sponsor!’ Jonathan Bulkeley

Elizabeth Froemke, NYC, NY, USA – Wassaou, Senegal, West Africa

” I’m so excited about the expedition! Such an awesome idea. Will be checking in regularly and wish you both the most wonderful trip!” Elizabeth Froemke

Ros Harris, Cheltenham, UK –SSSGambia.co.uk – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Best of luck for your amazing adventure!‘ Ros Harris SSSGambia

hne & Benjamin, New York, USA – The River Gambia, Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

Ysais Martinez – River Gambia, Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

‘I have been following your work for a couple of years now. Good luck on this new adventure and I hope that you raise the necessary funds to accomplish it…I am praying that it meets your goals so you guys can go on the expedition!’ Ysais Martinez

The Senegal Experience, UK – River Gambia, Mako, Senegal, West Africa

Dimiter Kenarov, Istanbul, Turkey – Brefert, The Gambia, West Africa

Claudes Patisserie, W4th St, NYC, NY, USA – Kartong, The Gambia, West Africa

Galit Zadok, London, UK – Balingo Tenda, The Gambia, West Africa

Theresa Raffetto, NYC, NY, USA – River Gambia, Tendaba, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Wishing you both safety and fun on your travels!’ Theresa Raffetto

Karl and Janna Leblanc, Florida, USA – Kuntaur Wharf, The Gambia, West Africa

Louis Christopher Photography, NYC, NY – Brefert, The Gambia, West Africa

‘hope you have a great expedition!’ Louis Christopher

Maggie Soladay & Salaam Garage, NYC, NY, USA – Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa

‘I was thinking.. whats stopping me. I own too many shoes and no Florios. So done. Can’t wait to see what you two come back with. Sounds so wonderful, and tough, and mysterious, and important.’ Maggie Soladay and Salaam Garage

Noreen Meehan, Crystal Palace, London, UK – Bantaco gold mines, Senegal, West Africa

Giovanni Savino NYC, NY, USA – Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

‘This is my way of saying that I wholeheartedly admire your work and wish you to have great success in this new voyage…I am looking forward to your updates and, again, wish you all the best, looking forward to seeing many extraordinary images soon !!’ Giovanni Savino

Robert Goldstein & Sandra Turnbull, Camden, UK – Kuntaur, The Gambia, West Africa

‘All The Best’-Robert Goldstein

Viviane Moos Photography, NYC, NY – Kemoto Point, The Gambia

‘I think your project is great which is why I am supporting you ! I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing the adventures you are going to experience – and I agree – watch out for the hippos!’ Viviane Moos Photography

Ted Sonnier, Houston, Texas, USA – River Gambia, Senegal, West Africa

‘I am ready for you guys to get going. I need a story worth reading at the end of my day.’Ted Sonnier

Krista Dills, Atlanta, Georgia, USA – River Gambia, Wassadou, Senegal, West Africa

“Good luck you two! Be Safe! Can’t wait to read the stories and see the pictures.” Krista Dills

Fiona Cullinan, touristvstraveller.wordpress.com , Birmingham, UK – Kemoto Point, The Gambia

“Sounds like a wonderful expedition! Great to see you making it happen, despite the collapse in media budgets! Looking forward to seeing the reports and your new fine art photography collection (from the expedition)” Fiona Cullinan, touristvstraveller.wordpress.com

Joanne Jones, Charlotte and Duncan, Lavignton, Wiltshire, UK – Balingo Point, The Gambia

Kay, Macaulay & Georgie, Scarbrough, N Yorks, UK – Tendaba Camp, The Gambia

Carlos Molina, NYC, NY, USA – River Gambia, Balingo Tenda, The Gambia, West Africa

– ‘Wishing you guys all the luck in the world….. will see you when you return to NY‘. Carlos Molina,

Jane Coxwell, USA – River Gambia, Wassadou, Senegal, West Africa

Magdelene Teo – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

Michael Mut/Love Yourself Project, NYC – Kartong, The Gambia, West Africa

Claire ‘Cakes n Pies’ Rich © Jason Florio, Kedougou, Senegal

‘Have a safe and wonderful expedition and look forward to seeing you soon’. Claire ‘Cakes n Pies’ Rich

Albetza (‘Tinka’) & Keiron O’Conner.com

‘This (donation) should cover the hippo repellent! Please take care, take lots of beautiful pictures, write loads of wonderful stories and come back unharmed! Looking forward to hear the stories on your return. We’ll keep an eye on the blog. All the best, Keiron and Alzbeta x’ Keiron O’Conner.com & Tinka

Monica Pozzi ‘OBODNY’ © Jason Florio – Kedougou, Senegal

“Following you on all channels and very jealous of your expedition despite the mosquitos. 24 bites simultaneously my record. Take me with you and you won’t get bitten! They always love me wherever I go!” Monica Pozzi

Karen Russo, NYC, NY, USA – Congratulations on your marriage! – Wassadou, Senegal, West Africa

“Best wishes on your journey! Can’t wait to see your photographs and read your writing!” Karen Russo

Stella Kramer.com © Jason Florio – The Gambia, West Africa

Sari Goodfriend.com © Jason Florio – ‘Leo’ the tortoise, The Gambia, West Africa

Alex Gloworld soundcloud.com/gloworldsounds , Northampton, UK – Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Glad to be able to contribute, looks like you will be having another exciting adventure…Best of luck and I am looking forward to following your exploits!’ Alex Gloworld

Rodger, Wendy, Nana, Elliot, Tyrone and Jacob – The Florios! © Jason Florio – Mali Ville, Fouta Djallon Highlands, Guinea

Mum (Thelma) and Sandy © Helen Jones-Florio – Hore Dimma, Fouta Djallon Highlands, Guinea

David & Lucie Coke and Mnr ‘tickle on the tum’ Albert! © Jason Florio, Mali Ville, Fouta Djallon Highlands (Dame de Mali in the background)

“To get you on your way you hairy bikers!” David & Lucie Coke

Ryan Heffernan ryanheffernan.com – Hore Dimma, Fouta Djallon, Guinea-Conakry

“It looks like an incredible journey. Hope it all falls into place.” Ryan Heffernan Photography

Isabella ‘rock-a-fella’ Kimberlin – Bansang, The Gambia

Alan Huntley, Florida, USA – Balingo Tenda, The Gambia

‘Do you need a canoe carrier for your trip? I do standup paddle board carriers but I think I might be able to make a canon carrier for you. Free of course. I am grow up in South Africa. I love Africa and photography.’ Alan Huntley

Christy Nielsen, Omak, Washington, USA – Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa

Kay & Tommy Adams, Seattle, Washington, USA – Balingo Point, The Gambia, West Africa

The Gambia Experience, UK – Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

Gabriella Nissen, USA : Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

“You are welcome for the donation. I hope you both have a successful expedition” Gabriella Nissen Photography

Andy Needham – UNHCR, Nairobi, East Africa: The River Gambia, Senegal, West Africa

‘Hi Jason, Helen, stay clear of the crocs! Keep away from things with sharp teeth! All the best, Andy’ Andy Needham – UNHCR

Chris Bartlett, NY, USA : Women washing on the banks of The River Gambia, Senegal, West Africa

Claire and Glenn Pott, Queensland, Australia : Wassadou Camp, Senegal, West Africa

“Sounds like you will be having an amazing journey. We look forward to reading all your updates (before, during and after!). Good luck Jason and Helen. Sending lots of Aussie love and well wishes!” Claire and Glenn Pott,

Ellen Mai, California, USA : The River Gambia, Mako, Senegal, West Africa

“I’m so excited for you both and quite proud! I wish all the best for a safe and productive expedition” Ellen Mai – Somlia Report

George and Anna Lee Paul, Princeton University, New Jersey, USA – Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Dear Jason and Helen, This is exciting! I hope that the Mungo Park map from Princeton might get to play some role in your expedition. I wish you the best of luck on the journey and look forward to following your progress! ‘ George and Anna Lee Paul

Chris Shaw Hughes, Artist, West Sussex UK – Bonto, The Gambia, West Africa

Hakim Bourbita, Waverly Wines, 6th Ave and 8th St, NYC – Kemoto Point, The Gambia, West Africa

Matthew Fishbane, NYC – Balingo, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Goodspeed, kids! Now get out there and kick some butt!’ Matt Fishbane

Stephanie Carron, Paris, France – Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

Linda Levitt, NYC, USA – Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

Vanessa Hodge – The Hodge Centre – London, UK – Balingo, The Gambia, West Africa

Michael Mallinson, Canada – Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

Thomas Donley, NYC, USA – Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

. “I wish you and your entire team, very well. Here’s to great adventures!!! I look forward to the updates…Enjoy! Enjoy Enjoy!” Thomas Donley

Ken Shung, NYC, USA – Fatoto, The Gambia, West Africa

‘have a mega time on your journey and looking forward to hearing about along the way~ have a good time and see you back in new york when you get back stateside, warmly, Ken ;-)))’ Ken Shung

Leela Rupa, Brooklyn, NY, USA – Balingo, The Gambia, West Africa

Jonathan Fine & Diane Blaine Fine – Freed Pictures – NYC, NY, USA-Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Good luck on the incredible journey’ Jonathan Fine & Diane Blaine Fine – Freed Pictures

Scott Overholser, NYC, NY, USA – Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa

Shannon Coppin – Yoga Dog Training – Vancouver, Canada – Kaur, The Gambia, West Africa

BookMEQuick / Grant Clifford, London, UK – River Gambia, Bansang, The Gambia, West Africa

Kerrie Nanni, Washington DC, USA – Bonto, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Your journey sounds very interesting, and I wonder if you would be interested in speaking to folks at the American Corner (Banjul) here at the end of your journey.’ Kerrie Nanni

Michel Delsol Photography, NYC, USA – Brefet, The Gambia, West Africa

‘Bon Voyage! Wishing you all the best on your adventures’ Michel Delsol, NYC

Lori Hawkins, NYC, USA – Balingo Tenda, The Gambia, West Africa

Julie Grahame-aCurator, Brooklyn, NY – River Gambia, Senegal

Patty & Tim Mack – New Orleans (Captain Patricia Mack – a 9/11 hero. Please click on her name to find out how Florio photographed her during the madness of that fateful day)

Robert ‘Rob’ Jones – Fort Myers, Florida, USA Robert ‘Rob’ Jones – Fort Myers, Florida, USA “Here’s a little help…I will be following your adventure. Be safe doing the good work. Your friend, Bob”

The Cohen’s – Yaffa, Nachem et al – our Greenwich Village ‘family’, NYC & Israel

Ted Sonnier – Houston, Texas, USA ‘I am ready for you guys to get going. I need a story worth reading at the end of my day.’

Ryan Heffernan – Photographer – Santa Fe & San Francisco, USA “It looks like an incredible journey. Hope it all falls into place.”

Ellen Hunter Mai – Somalia Report – Orange County, California, USA “I’m so excited for you both and quite proud! I wish all the best for a safe and productive expedition”

Monica Pozzi – global – photography “Following you on all channels and very jealous of your expedition despite the mosquitos. 24 bites simultaneously my record. Take me with you and you won’t get bitten! They always love me wherever I go!”

Christy Nielsen – Washington State, USA – 4th Wall Relief, Burma

Thelma & Sandy Youngson, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, UK

David Willems – Photographer – New York, USA. “Thanks for the inspiring promise of the expedition’s results; can’t wait to see the photos! I wish I could be there and hopefully I’ll be brave enough to make such an endeavor myself one day”

Gabriella Nissen – Photographer – Houston, Texas, USA. “You are welcome for the donation. I hope you both have a successful expedition”

Krista Dills – Atlanta, Georgia, USA “Good luck you two! Be Safe! Can’t wait to read the stories and see the pictures.”

Josh Dick – Photographer– Brooklyn, NY, USA – “Good luck guys. Safe travels and enjoy. I look forward to following your progress and seeing the work.”

Michael Mut & The LOVE YOURSELF Project – Brooklyn, NYC, USA

Suzy Peters – Hampstead Village, London, UK. “Can I come?!”

Amanda Hewitt – Woolacombe, N Devon, UK

Karen Russo & Coco – Greenwich Village, NYC, USA. “Best wishes on your journey! Can’t wait to see your photographs and read your writing!”

Julie Grahame – aCurator – Brooklyn, NY, USA. “You guys rock!”

Thomas Donley – Photographer – New York, NY, USA. “I wish you and your entire team, very well. Here’s to great adventures!!! I look forward to the updates…Enjoy! Enjoy Enjoy!”

Elizabeth Froemke – New York, NY, USA ” I’m so excited about the expedition! Such an awesome idea. Will be checking in regularly and wish you both the most wonderful trip!”

Claire & Glenn Pott – Queensland, Australia “Sounds like you will be having an amazing journey. We look forward to reading all your updates (before, during and after!). Good luck Jason and Helen. Sending lots of Aussie love and well wishes!”

David and Lucie Coke (and Mnr Albert!) – Sloatsburg, NY, USA “To get you on your way you hairy bikers!”

Andy Katz – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA – ‘I’m very impressed with your project and wish you a wonderful trip. When you return to New York let’s get together I will supply the wine and food you supply the stories. All the best and happy trails’

Doris Perez Torres – USA

Rosalind Harris & Stella’s School Sponsorship Scheme– Cheltenham, Gloucester, UK/The Gambia – ‘Best of luck for your amazing adventure!‘

Jonathan Fine,Freed Pictures, & Diane Blain Fine Photography – New York, USA & The Gambia, West Africa – ‘Good luck on the incredible journey’

Kristen Wendt – New York, NY, USA ‘Your expeditions are so inspiring and I so enjoy hearing your stories…safe travels to you both. I can’t wait to read more as you guys begin your trip!’

Sari Goodfriend – Photographer – New York, NY, USA

Maggie Soladay -Photographer– New York, NY, USA ‘I was thinking.. whats stopping me. I own too many shoes and no Florios. So done. Can’t wait to see what you two come back with. Sounds so wonderful, and tough, and mysterious, and important. Sincerely Maggie’ + check out Salaam Garage Local

Dimiter Kenarov – Photographer – Istanbul, Turkey ‘Good luck!’

Peter Fahrni – Forward Thinking Museum – NYC, USA

David Ciccone – Trunk Magazine – NYC, USA

Grant Clifford – BookMeQuick.com – London, UK

Jane Coxwell – Chef & Author – New York, USA

Richard Glynn © ‘Wideyed’ – Photography collective – Darlington, UK, “Good luck with the rest of the fundraising! A small donation from a fellow photographer”

Devin Friedman & Danielle Pergament – Jounalists – Brooklyn, NY, USA

Ross Morganstein – New York, USA – “Good luck guys!”

Fiona Cullinan – Journalist – Birmingham, UK – “Sounds like a wonderful expedition! Great to see you making it happen, despite the collapse in media budgets! Looking forward to seeing the reports and your new fine art photography collection (from the expedition)”

Imke Oster & Benick Oster – New York, USA – ‘So excited about your trip and experience – I will be sitting in my office vicariously living through you – be careful!’

Linda Levit – New York, USA

Oskar Landi – Photographer – Brooklyn, NY, USA

Michel Delsol – Photographer – NYC, USA – ‘Bon Voyage! Wishing you all the best on your adventures’

Andy Needham – UNHCR – Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. ‘Hi Jason, Helen, stay clear of the crocs! Keep away from things with sharp teeth! All the best, Andy’

Rabart – Bath, UK

Penelope Hartnell – New York, NY, USA
‘The attached photo is of the “IMAGINE” sign that I had made for my ranch…I am sending it to you with all good wishes for a wonderful journey ….“Imagine” Jason and Helen setting off on their grand expedition….Will be following your blog….’ Penelope

Giorgio Sgobbi – Rome, Italy

Noreen Meehan – Crystal Palace, London, UK

Austyn Stevens – New York, NY, USA

Matthew Fishbane – Journalist –New York, NY, USA –‘Goodspeed, kids! Now get out there and kick some butt!’

Raymond Jarrell – DJ – New York, NY, USA

Karl and Janna LeBlanc – Rockledge, Florida, USA

Jean-Philippe Minart – Film Maker – (Jawa) – Paris, France ‘We did not took the pirogue (through Niokolo Koba) and made our trip by the road. So bring back the images ! I’m dying to see them ! appreciated’

Susan Levin – Art Director/Producer & Bruce Levin – Photography Management Agency – New York City, NY, USA – ‘We’ll be following you every step of the way!
All our love. Be safe, enjoy, and holler if you want company!

Stéphanie Carron – Documentary Producer – Paris, France

George and AnnaLee Pauls – Photoduplication Coordinator, Rare Books and Special Collections Princeton University – New Jersey, USA ‘Dear Jason and Helen, This is exciting! I hope that the Mungo Park map from Princeton might get to play some role in your expedition. I wish you the best of luck on the journey and look forward to following your progress! ‘

Annie & Ken Godin – Montreal, Canada – ‘Hi guys! Ken and Annie from Montreal (friends of David and Lucie… 🙂 ) wish you both all the best on this amazing journey. We are looking forward to seeing all these fabulous (we are sure they will be) photographs! Hope we can catch a drink at the Ear Inn next time we’re in NY! 🙂 Bon voyage! Annie and Ken XXX’

Scott Overholser – Photographer – New York, NY, USA

Robert Goldstein – Photographer – Camden, London, UK – ‘All The Best’-Robert

Teru Kuwayama – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA

Stein de Visser & Mintz – Accountants – New York City, NY, USA ‘It’s our pleasure, my dear! Bon voyage!’

Michael Mallinson – Toronto, Canada

Dr Leah & Steve Gendler – Maplewood, New Jersey, USA

Michael & Linda Nevins – Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland ‘Wishing you both every success with the expedition. L&Mx’

Theresa Raffetto – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA ‘Wishing you both safety and fun on your travels!’

Stella Kramer – Pulitzer prize-winning photo editor – New York City, NY, USA

Gilly Clifford and Sam Roberts ‘VSO’ – Kratie, Cambodia – ‘I just wanted to say good luck with the fund raising and the expedition. Watch out for all the hippos! I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing experience!’

Leela Rupa – Artist – Brooklyn, NY, USA

Valerie Vago-Laurer – New York City, NY, USA ‘Best of luck…excited to see/hear all about the project!’

Kay and Tommy Adams – Seattle, WA, USA

Nigel & Louisa Biggar – Toronto, Canada ‘we look forward to getting updates from you so that we can follow your progress’.

Lori Hawkins – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA

Galit Zadok – London, UK

Keiron O’Connor, Photographer, & Alzbeta ‘Tinka’ O’Connor, Model – Brooklyn, NYC, USA ‘This (donation) should cover the hippo repellent! Please take care, take lots of beautiful pictures, write loads of wonderful stories and come back unharmed! Looking forward to hear the stories on your return. We’ll keep an eye on the blog. All the best, Keiron and Alzbeta x’

Matt Gross – Writer – Brooklyn, NYC, USA

Kerrie Nanni – Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa ‘Your journey sounds very interesting, and I wonder if you would be interested in speaking to folks at the American Corner (Banjul) here at the end of your journey.’

Andres Garcia Lachner – Photographer – Miami, Florida, USA

Louis Christopher – Photographer – NYC, USA ‘hope you have a great expedition!’

Stefan Falke – Photographer – NYC, USA ‘Thanks and good luck !!! Love your project and wish I could come along !! Haha …’

Ysais A Martinez – USA ‘I have been following your work for a couple of years now. Good luck on this new adventure and I hope that you raise the necessary funds to accomplish it…I am praying that it meets your goals so you guys can go on the expedition!’

Shannon Coppin – Dog Trainer – Vancouver, Canada, BC

Chris Shaw-Hughes – Artist – Sussex, UK ‘Good luck with the whole project’

Mandy Dakin – Artist – Bath, Wiltshire, UK – ‘Good luck with your adventure. I have spread the word and will keep doing it!’

John McGrath –Accountant- Perth, West Australia – ‘Good luck with your adventure, I’m looking forward to reading all about it’.

Allison Correll – USA ‘My sister is in the Peace Corp in Senegal right now and had the chance to travel down the Gambia river, she said it was beautiful. Good luck and watch out for hippos!’

Jonathan Bulkeley – New York City, USA – ‘Love you guys and can’t wait to see you upon your return…proud to be a sponsor!’

Tempy Wright – Austen, Texas, USA ‘You guys are doing a great job with social media. It’s been fun reading your blog about the upcoming trip and it sounds like it will be fantastic. I am glad to be able to support it even in a small way and look forward to hearing more about it in the weeks and months to come. I am so impressed by both of you and the dedication to this trip, and am so proud to call you my friends. Good luck and keep in touch!’

Claire Rich – Stylist – New York, USA ‘Have a safe and wonderful expedition and look forward to seeing you soon’.

David Rotbard – Photographer – New York City, USA ‘I’m glad I was able to help – hope you guys have a safe and healthy journey – and have a great time of course’.

Tyler Carter – USA

Craig Howarth – iSO Developer – New York, USA

Christina Russo – Journalist – California, USA

Magdalene Teo – Photographer

Gareth & Kirsty – AussieOverlanders – ‘We really love what you guys are doing and believe it will be awesome.’

Viviane Moos – Photographer – New York City, USA – ‘I think your project is great which is why I am supporting you ! I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing the adventures you are going to experience – and I agree – watch out for the hippos!’

Matt Smith, Louise Thomas and Jackie Walker – The Gambia Experience – thanks for the ‘whip-round’ for our Kickstarter campaign!

Alex Gloworld – musician – Leicestershire, UK – ‘Glad to be able to contribute, looks like you will be having another exciting adventure…Best of luck and I am looking forward to following your exploits!’

Carlos Molina – New York City, NY, USA – ‘Wishing you guys all the luck in the world….. will see you when you return to NY‘.

Srivinas Kurugani – Photographer – London, UK – ‘I like Jason and I really like what you’ve been doing with the photo projects. Good luck.’

Alan Flemming – Liverpool, UK – ‘Jasons photographs are an inspiration, first became aware of them a couple of years ago through Robert Young Pelton’s posts here and in that other playground, Black Flag Cafe, and also through Rob Swain‘s many posts of the Karen people’

Giovanni Savino – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA – ‘This is my way of saying that I wholeheartedly admire your work and wish you to have great success in this new voyage…I am looking forward to your updates and, again, wish you all the best, looking forward to seeing many extraordinary images soon !!’

Robert Wright – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA ‘happy to be able to help out. good luck out there in the hinterland! Be well! Make pictures!’

Ken Shung – Photographer – New York City, NY, USA ‘have a mega time on your journey and looking forward to hearing about along the way~ have a good time and see you back in new york when you get back stateside, warmly, Ken ;-)))’

Fredrik Broden – Photographer – Dallas, Texas, USA

Alan Huntley – Sup Wheels – Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA – ‘Do you need a canoe carrier for your trip? I do standup paddle board carriers but I think I might be able to make a canon carrier for you. Free of course. I am grow up in South Africa. I love Africa and photography.’

Please click on the image below to watch Jason Florio as he explains how you can own one of his fine art photography prints, from a series of images he will take whilst on the River Gambia Expedition 2012: Or you can donate/pledge through Kickstarter (until the 15th Oct)