2007 Atlantic - La Mondiale

*******on 17th January myself and the crew members of La Mondiale rowed into Barbados to a sea of emotion and champagne popping in a time of 33 days, 7 hours and 30 minutes to set a NEW GUINESS WORLD RECORD.........thank you all for your support and donations xxxx

Rowing Speed Record Challenge Race - 3000 miles

In mid December 2007 myself and 13 fellow crew members will depart from the Canary islands on an epic row to Barbados in an attempt to break the existing world record of 35 days, 8 hours and 30 minutes - a record that over the last 15 years has withstood numerous challenges.

We will be rowing in shifts for 2 hours on and 2 hours off and follow this pattern for the entirety of the trip.

Nothing can really fully prepare us for the mental, physical and emotional challenges that lay ahead. We are just going to have to dig deeper than we can ever imagine. And pray that the weather is favourable.

I am very keen to raise £10 per mile for a unique, small charity called napac (National Association for People Abused in Childhood www.napac.org.uk). It is the only charity of its kind in the UK, so please dig deep, and if you can, forward the donation link to your friends and help raise money for napac, who are quietly helping thousands of victims throughout the land.

In our society I feel abuse is still a topic that goes disproportionately unnoticed and not talked about.  It is a "cancer" that is silently endemic all around us and yet the pain and suffering it causes is so, so needless. In my opinion, it is so widespread, that I can guarantee that those reading this will know, but not necessarily be aware of, a handfull of friends, family or colleagues that have been abused - in whatever capacity - and possibly suffering in silence.

Your donation will largely go towards the costs associated with the call centre. This is the life line of the charity and those that use it. A life line for some that is literally just that - for without someone to talk to, the pain, loneliness and suffering can leave extreme suffers with a limited choice in life. Survive or not survive.

Its very difficult for small charities to compete for donations given the number, type and size of "the competition".

So I urge you to spend a few minutes thinking about these words, and see if it evokes a feeling somewhere within you.

Video clip of napac:

http://i215.photobucket.com/player.swf?refURL=http://www.facebook.com/group.php%3fgid=2616818446/&file=http://vid215.photobucket.com/albums/cc46/napacpictures/napacvid.flv

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to be sponsored: NAPAC will receive your money faster and, if you re a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Our progress throughout the row can be followed at http://www.oceanrowevents.com

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND HOPEFULLY DONATION!

Oliver Dudley