We are taking on this incredible challenge in July to raise money for, and awareness about, the HPV virus on behalf of the NOMAN charity. https://www.nomancampaign.org/

Extraordinarily almost all of us (80%) will contract the HPV virus at some point in our lives whether we are aware of it or not. For some of us the consequences will be tragic.

HPV is responsible for 5% of cancers worldwide. Perhaps best known as an agent of cervical cancers it also leads to various others, such as throat and neck, anal and vaginal cancers.

Following the success of the vaccination of girls the incidence of male head and neck cancer is now greater than that of cervical cancer and is the fastest increasing type of cancer in otherwise healthy men in many developed countries. Famously Michael Douglas and Rhod Gilbert, who made the very moving documentary "A Pain In The Neck" about his experience, have both suffered from these HPV related cancers. We managed to meet Rhod recently after his new show (photo 4).

HPV related cancers are the ONLY preventable cancers through vaccination, with the vaccinations by far most effective before boys and girls become sexually active. We are doing this because we have friends who have been affected by HPV related cancers, have seen them fight and cannot escape the thought that their suffering might have been avoided. We are proud to support NOMAN's mission to secure a HPV cancer free future by vaccinating boys and girls around the world.

We are looking forward to an enormous test of endurance, pushing ourselves to the limit mentally and physically. We'll be rowing continuously (at times together, at times on rotation) for what we estimate will be 4 days and nights in the boat you see below, although in our case we will be a crew of just two not four...no rest for the wicked!

The amount of preparation and training continues to be significant and we would be immensely grateful for your support in the form of a donation to the NOMAN charity.

Sincere thanks.

Andrew & Alex.