British soldier, Jack Jarvis, has set a new world record, completing a world first solo and unsupported Atlantic Ocean row. The route, from mainland Europe to mainland North America, had never been done before and Jack’s incredible effort has seen him raise more than £50,000 for UK brain tumour charity, brainstrust.
The whole journey was around 4,500 nautical miles meaning Jack, who departed from Portugal on Friday 3rd December, was at sea for 111 days, rowing an average of 50 miles every single day.
Jack’s reason for doing this unbelievable challenge was in memory of his grandfather, who passed away in 2007 from a brain tumour, so understandably Jack wanted to raise as much awareness as possible of this awful illness, which effects so many people and families worldwide. During this monumental challenge Jack received motivational support from the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Sir Steve Redgrave.
Jack, a member of 59 commando, said: ‘I’m on cloud nine right now. To have achieved what I set out to do is amazing and it makes all those hard days at sea missing family and friends worthwhile.
‘I’m also thrilled to have surpassed my fundraising target of £50,000 and know my grandfather would be incredibly proud of my achievements, as are the rest of my family.
‘I hope I have proved to everyone that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it and our biggest obstacle is only ever ourselves. With the right mindset anything and everything is possible.
Will Jones, CEO of brainstrust, added: “This record setting row shows what can be possible when you have the spirit, determination, and belief that something can be achieved. All impactful charities are born of an indomitable strength of belief that a wrong can be righted. Jack has inspired us all at brainstrust, and in the brain tumour community. He has given us resolve in our belief that if we lean in, keep working hard and look out for one another that every day lived with a brain tumour can be a day well-lived. Jack – thank you for your support, for taking brainstrust on your journey and for smashing this record with the brain tumour community front and centre. We are proud of you, and we hope Budgie, wherever he is, will be too. Every penny raised by this incredible mission will go towards helping people with a brain tumour to be less alone, less afraid and more in control and to give them the spirit and strength of belief that every day lived can be the best day possible.”
For more information about Jack’s challenge and to donate now, please visit: www.unitedweconquer.co.uk/