Wrekin Rowers set to begin bid to cross Atlantic
A team of rowers are set to start their 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic on Sunday.
The Wrekin Rowers, a team of four men from Wellington, Telford, have been going through months of training in preparation for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Rowing Challenge.
In a bid to raise £100,000 for two charities, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Severn Hospice, they will be rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua in a marathon effort set to take between 45 and 50 days.
The team is made up of Stuart Shepherd, Martin Skehan and brothers Gary Richards and Stuart Richards, and so far they have raised more then £72,000. The money will be split between the RNIB and Severn Hospice.
Stuart, 52, is registered blind due to being diagnosed with Leber Optic Neuropathy over 25 years ago.
A manual labourer, he is keen not to let his sight loss stop him from conquering the Atlantic and has been training every day to prepare mentally and physically for the big race.
He said: “We’re hoping to finish in 45 to 50 days but it’s very weather-dependent, plus we’re one of the eldest to race this year as we’re all between the ages of fifty-two and sixty.
“I think the biggest challenge will be combatting the feeling of isolation, the juxtaposition from a small and confined cabin to a large and spacious ocean might be difficult. But my team is brilliant and I’m happy I get to do it with them.”
A user of RNIB’s Talking Books service, Stuart said: “We wanted to donate to charities that were close to our hearts. Since I lost my sight, RNIB has always been supportive. If there is anything that I need help with and don’t necessarily want to ask a friend or family member, RNIB is my first port of call.”
Lizzi Wagner, RNIB senior challenge events manager, said: “The Wrekin Rowers are truly inspirational and we’re so grateful that they have chosen to take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Rowing Challenge in support of RNIB.
“The money the Wrekin Rowers raise will help us make every day better for people living with sight loss here in the UK, as well as continuing to break down barriers that still exist in society. Please dig deep and support their fundraising efforts.”
For more information about the team, or to donate, go to http://www.wrekin-rowers.com/.
