Our dynamic duo, Midlands (UK) based married mixed pair crew 'Stronger Twogether ' comprising of Jooles & Ian Paillin-Dean are raising money for a local hospice by taking part in the World's Toughest Row - Atlantic 2025

On December 12th 2025 (Jooles's birthday) 'Stronger Twogether' will compete with up to 40 teams participating from around the world. They will have to cope with blisters, salt rashes, sleep deprivation and rowing in 2hr shifts around the clock for weeks on end, facing all the raw elements of the Atlantic Ocean. The boat Polly, is just 7m long and under 2m wide, with only a small cabin for protection against storms. All boats are equipped at the race start, and cannot take help, food or water and can only be repaired by the crew themselves during the crossing. They will endeavour to row across the Atlantic, unassisted, for what could be anywhere between 45 - 55 days. This is a challenge less commonly achieved than that of summiting Mt Everest, with more people going to space, than rowing the Atlantic ocean.

There are many reasons we want to row an ocean but one we share in common is the desire to push ourselves beyond perceived physical and mental limitations, to wonder at the vast and beautiful ocean and stars and to raise money for LOROS a local hospice charity who cared for Ian's mum when she needed end of life care.

Because it’s those special moments shared with the ones we love, no matter how complicated circumstances may be, that are most precious of all.

INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER, WE ARE AN OCEAN. - R Satoro

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