Midlands farmers make final preparations for trans-Atlantic row
© Mike Sewell Midlands farmers Rod Adlington and Guy Minshull have had their last “on the water” training session ahead of their charity row across the Atlantic.
The pair joined rowing partners Ryan Davin and Alex Perry at Draycote Water in Warwickshire to put their vessel Mrs Nelson through her paces one final time, before the boat is shipped to Lanzarote off the coast of West Africa.
Calling themselves The Brightsides, turkey farmer Rod and arable farmer Guy will embark on the 3,000 mile row to Antigua in early January, to raise money for two charities – Meningitis Now and cancer charity Get A-Head.
The challenge is being undertaken in memory of Rod’s son Barney, who died from meningitis in 2005, aged three, since when Rod has been a dedicated fundraiser for Meningitis Now.
See also: Read the full Brightsides’ story here
When the team make their crossing, they will row in two-hour shifts, 24-hours a day, taking more than 1.5 million oar strokes to reach the other side.
Dangers range from possible Orca attacks to 60ft high rogue waves, which can pitch a boat over end to end.
The crossing time should be about 50 days and their aim is to raise £250,000 for the two charities – plus a donation to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge for me and the rest of the team and we are all very excited, if not a little nervous, about what lies ahead for us,” said Rod, whose Adlington turkey business rears about 10,000 white and bronze birds each season.
Farmers Weekly is a media partner for the expedition, and we are proud to have our logo on the side of the boat.
© Rod Adlington
Other sponsors, who braved Draycote Water last weekend, include law firm Lodders, whose managing partner Paul Mourton is also trustee of Get A-Head.
“We are in awe of the team’s dedication and drive in taking on this physical and mental challenge, and will be supporting them every step of the way,” he said.
The company, which has strong agricultural and rural connections, is putting £20,000 into the venture.
Further donations are being sought – however large or small – with all proceeds going to the charities.
Full information can also be found at thebrightsidesrow.com