In November 2006 whilst  conducting routine Mine clearance a Booby trap detonated resulting in me losing my right leg below my knee, since that day I have thrive to challenge myself.

So I was intrigued when I was invited to participate in a trial day for the REAL Boat Race, which was being organised by Langstone Adventure Rowing, based in Hampshire. The September’s day was wet and thundery; after spending a few hours learning to row I succeeded in obtaining a place in the Help 4 Heroes team for the 2013 REAL Boat race.

The REAL Boat Race - May 2013

2 teams (24 people) go head to head to race over 440 nautical miles (506 miles or 815 km) from London to Paris, racing for 6 days (including nights) for the ultimate trophy of being the first team to cross the finish line at the Eiffel Tower whilst raising money for two incredible charities.

After 10 gruelling months of training and open-water rowing practises using purpose built 32” Adventure Gigs; The REAL Boat Race starts at Westminster Bridge (Houses of Parliament) London, and follows along the River Thames to Ramsgate, from there we will cross the English Channel which is recorded as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The crossing point is dependent on the weather and wind conditions we will either cross from Dover to Cap Gris Nez or from Beachy Head to Le Havre.

Le Havre is the halfway point of the race, it is critical that the teams arrive to catch the Spring tide permitting the race to continue up the river Seine to Paris, finishing at the Pont d’Lena.

During the race each team member will be rowing in 2 hour shift for 6 days (including Nights) in potential rough seas, tides, winds rain and sea sickness the REAL boat race on average takes 140,000 strokes to row the 440 nautical miles (506 miles or 815 km) thus making this an extreme mental and physical challenge

Why you ask?? To raise as much money for the following charities:

Help for Heroes Charity Registration No. 1120920 – www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Help for Heroes provides direct, practical support to wounded, injured and sick Service personnel, veterans and their families. This is provided through grants to individuals and other services charities, capital building projects and support for life at our four recovery centres across the UK.

The Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity Registration No. 1129763 – www.icklepickles.org

Founded in 2009, the Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity raises money for the vital equipment that keeps the smallest and sickest babies alive.

Working with Neonatal Units around the country, the charity provides a route for parents to repay a debt of gratitude to the NNU that treated their child or to ensure a child’s short life is commemorated in a positive and tangible way.

The charity also raises awareness of the incredible job that Neonatal units & staff do every single day.

Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity.  So it’s the most efficient way to donate

Thank you very much in advance, your donation is greatly appreciated.