Royal Marine veteran’s Atlantic row for charity
A Royal Marine veteran is set to row across the Atlantic to raise money for the Royal Marines Charity, reports the Gazette.
Jason Gardiner, a 36-year old father of two, is to row from Gran Canaria to Barbados this December in a team of four, made up of Gardiner, another veteran and two serving soldiers. The team will take on the challenge with six other boats from branches of the UK armed forces and veterans.
The 4800km route could be increased by up to 500km depending on steering and weather, says the Gazette, with the record for completing the challenge in this class of rowing boat being 36 days.
“During my service I’ve lost friends to warfare, suicide and had friends who have life changing injuries,” Gardiner says. “I asked one friend which organisation helped the most and he referred me to the Royal Marines Charity. Since then they have been the charity I’ve raised money for.
“My wife has been very supportive but being away for Christmas will be difficult. I’ve structured it in my mind that as soon as we set off, I’m racing to get back to them and want to make them proud.”
Read the full details about the challenge here.