British soldier, Jack Jarvis, is less than one week away from completing a world first solo Atlantic Ocean row. The route is from mainland Europe to mainland North America and Jack has already raised more than £50,000 for UK brain tumour charity, brainstrust.
The whole journey is around 4,500 nautical miles meaning upon completion, Jack, who departed from Portugal on Friday 3rd December, will have been at sea, alone, for around 110 days, rowing an average of 50 miles every single day.
Jack’s reason for doing this unbelievable challenge is 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. Since starting this monumental challenge the 28-year old has received motivational support from the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Sir Steve Redgrave.
Jack, a member of 59 commando, said: ‘To think I’ve rowed more than 4200 miles is quite staggering. Having said that, I’m still well aware there is work to be done before arriving on land and becoming a world record holder.
‘The support I’ve received from back home and other parts of the world, including the US, has been overwhelming, and to have already surpassed my fundraising target of £50,000 is just amazing.
‘There’s been ups and downs and these are of course largely weather dependent. I once spent four days in parachute anchor which was incredibly testing but I looked on the bright side and used it as an opportunity to catch up with everyone from back home. My military training has definitely played a huge part in getting me this far, particularly with my mental resilience.
‘I’m also looking a lot different to when I left, I’ve no doubt shed a few pounds and I’ve currently got a Tom Hanks in Cast Away look going on, which is only right as I brought along my good friend, Wilson!
‘It’s now all about keeping my focus and making sure I make it to the finish line in good time and make my family, friends and the British Army, proud.’
Will Jones, CEO of brainstrust, added: ‘All of us in the brain tumour community are cheering Jack on. This is a herculean transatlantic record attempt. His incredible spirit, endurance and tenacity are inspiring us all. Jack has seen first-hand the impact of a brain tumour diagnosis on his family and we are grateful that he has chosen to use his record attempt to improve the experience of others. He is raising awareness of the isolation, fear and confusion that go hand-in-hand with a diagnosis, and also raising vital funds for brainstrust’s mission to help more people every day, on top of the thousands we reach every year. Jack, thank you.’
For more information about Jack’s challenge and to donate now, please visit: www.unitedweconquer.co.uk/