On the 10th of January, I will set off from Senegal to row more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean, in a team completely unsupported and at the mercy of the elements.

For weeks, my world will be a small rowing boat in the middle of the ocean. I will face relentless physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation, huge Atlantic swells, extreme weather, isolation, and the constant challenge of maintaining both my body and mindset in one of the most demanding environments on Earth. Every mile will have to be earned through determination, resilience, and perseverance.

I am taking on this challenge to raise funds for two organisations that have played a significant role in my own recovery: The Invictus Games Foundation and The Comedy School.

Having personally experienced the outstanding work both charities do, I have seen first-hand the impact they have on veterans and others facing adversity. Through sport, community, creativity and support, they help people rebuild confidence, rediscover purpose, and find the strength to move forward. They have also helped me on my own recovery journey, which is why supporting them means so much to me.

There will undoubtedly be moments during this crossing when I question whether I can continue. In those moments, I will draw inspiration from the courage, determination and resilience shown every day by the people these charities support. Compared to the challenges many veterans have faced, my journey across the Atlantic is a choice. Their battles were not.

This challenge is about more than rowing an ocean. It is about raising awareness, giving back to organisations that change lives, and proving that recovery and growth are possible even after life's toughest setbacks.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help these charities continue their life-changing work. Thank you for supporting me as I take on this extraordinary challenge and helping two incredible organisations continue making a difference where it matters most.

I am incredibly grateful to have the support of my friends, family, and my amazing employer throughout this journey. Their encouragement, belief in me, and unwavering support have made it possible for me to take on this challenge. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and understanding they have given me—without their support, this row across the Atlantic simply would not be possible.

Sadly, many veterans do not have that same support network. For some, the transition back to civilian life can be isolating, and they face significant challenges without the backing of family, friends, or an employer who understands their situation. That is why organisations like the Invictus Games Foundation and The Comedy School are so important. They provide community, purpose, understanding, and support to those who may otherwise have nowhere to turn.

By supporting this challenge, you are helping ensure that veterans have access to that vital support when they need it most. Thank you for being part of that support and for helping these incredible organisations continue their life-changing work.

Too many veterans continue to struggle in silence, with some reaching the point where they feel they have no option but to take their own lives. This is why the support, community and sense of purpose provided by these charities is so vital.