Somerset man to tackle epic rowing challenge for brain injury charity
Giles Johnson and his boating partner Matthew are rowing from Canada to Ireland in aid of Headway - along with the Marine Conservation Society and Ddx3x
A pair of boaters are setting off to Canada as they get ready for a rowing journey of a lifetime - all in aid of charity, after his friend suffered a life-changing brain injury.
Giles Johnson who's from Somerset and his boating partner Matthew will be taking on the 1750 mile challenge to Ireland on a specially-designed vessel.
Giles Johnson, who's 60, and from Drayton, will be setting off on a journey he's dubbed 'an awfully big row', with the challenge seeing him journey from Newfoundland in Canada, to Roundstone, Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland.
Giles, a psychotherapist, said: "I have always been interested in adventure and have previously taken part in several adventurous challenges.
"I and my boat partner Matthew Ponsonby – who's fundraising for Great Ormond Street - are planning a 30-35 day crossing dependent upon sea and weather conditions. Hopefully, the time of year will allow for a relatively calm and warm crossing."
The pair are raising much-needed funds for the Marine Conservation Society, Headway and Ddx3x Support UK.
Headway provides a wide range of support, advice and advocacy services to brain injury survivors, including Giles's friend William who sustained a brain injury on a building site in 2016.
Giles said: "I'm thankful for the support Headway has given to my friend William. This row is in support of both him and Headway. We are self-funding the expedition with funds split between the charities."
William's wife, Rosie, said Headway was there to help in their time of need, and added: “After Will's fall, I felt so incapacitated and didn’t feel able to undertake or complete any tasks.
“I had copious forms to fill in and was barely able to spell my own name at the time. Emma sat with me several times as we worked through everything. She was a huge comfort.
"I am thankful for all the ways that Headway helps people who, like me, are suddenly catapulted into such an unfamiliar world."
Giles and his team are now busy preparing for their journey, which will present more than a few hurdles.
He said: "We will, especially at the outset, face the challenges of adapting to life on board, other traffic, the weather, fatigue and the mental leap needed to ensure that we function as a team in sometimes difficult conditions
"Everyday tasks become rather more tricky in the confines of a small boat! For example, going to the loo, cooking and looking after yourself can feel very trying during bad weather and whilst exhausted.
"We are very lucky to have as part of our team Charlie Pitcher, the MD of Rannoch Adventure. Charlie is an extremely experienced blue water sailor and a world record holder in various ocean rowing events. Charlie will be our land support, calling the weather and routing and there to help if and when technical issues arise. He is also the builder and designer of our wonderful craft 'Hurricane' - an R25 ocean-going rowing boat."
"The 'detox' from the modern world is profound. The satisfaction is for me in the 'task', the sense of being insignificant and the lack of choice that ensues," he said. "I feel that the more primitive and less used bits of me come to life."
Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising at Headway, added: “Giles and Matthew are such an inspiring duo. Taking on this huge challenge in aid of some wonderful charities including Headway. This will be mentally and physically challenging and we’re incredibly grateful to them for choosing to support us. We rely on donations to be able to support brain injury survivors and their families.
"I’m excited to follow Giles and Matthew as they take on the row across to Ireland and would encourage anyone who is inspired by them to get involved either by supporting their fundraising efforts though donating or by getting in touch to do their own fundraising for Headway, we’d love to have you on board!”
You can find out more about their journey and how to donate to their fundraiser on the SponsorMe website.