Dubbed as ‘The Worlds Toughest Row’, In December 2022, Mike Bates will begin a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean!
Incredibly, more people have reached the summit of Everest or travelled into space than have successfully rowed an Ocean. This shows what an incredible feat Mike is embarking upon.
The annual race begins in early December, with up to 30 teams participating from around the world. This premier event in ocean rowing, the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, will take the former marine more than 3000 Miles west from the Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.
I'll battle with sleep deprivation, salt sores and physical extremes inflicted by the race. Left alone with my own thoughts, the expanse of an ocean and the job of getting the boat safely to the other side.
Mike, who has dubbed his fundraising challenge ‘The Atlantic Grappler’, is aiming to raise £100,000 to benefit the hospital unit which saved his son’s life 10 years ago. Born prematurely, Mike’s son Gabriel contracted meningitis and was cared for by staff on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Leeds Children’s Hospital during his first few months.
In the two years since Mike started fundraising, the Atlantic Grappler has received support from hundreds of donors. As an ex-Marine, Mike has even gained the attention of actor Tom Hardy, who is an ambassador for REORG Charity which supports serving and ex-military personnel.
I want to genuinely change the future for children. Those who need intensive care support in hospital and also those who will use this campaign as a platform to discover their own adventurous spirit.
Tri-Tech Surveys and their North West Division, Site Surveying Services, have become an official sponsor to support ‘The Atlantic Grappler’ with this awesome challenge.
We will be posting about Mike’s progress in the build up to the race and closely follow his journey.
If you want to find out more, check out his website and social media pages, https://www.theatlanticgrappler.com
What an amazing feat of strength, mental endurance and courage. It is without doubt an absolute pleasure to support Mike with his fund raising and we wish him the very best. Godspeed Mike!
