Meet Invictus Atlantic, an intrepid team of gig rowers from Cornwall rowing across the Atlantic in the "world's toughest row" to raise funds for the Invictus Trust, a Cornish charity dedicated to supporting young people's mental health in the county.
Proudly sponsored by Aspects Holidays, the four-man team of James Brittian-Long, Paul Hayes, Luke Morgan, and David Radford Wilson will row for 2 hours on and 2 hours off for 6-7 weeks, burning over 6000 calories a day in a bid to raise £100,000 to support a newly launched counselling and support service for 11-21 year olds in Cornwall. Founded in 2011 by the Cowburn family, after the tragic loss of their son and brother Ben, aged 18, after a short period of mental illness, Invictus Trust raises awareness and funds for vital mental health services and support in Cornwall.
Over 40 crews will take part in the annual race, a 3000 nautical mile crossing, from La Gomera to Antigua, setting off in December 2024.
Rower James Brittian-Long says “Invictus Trust is such an important charity for the young people of Cornwall and their families, and we are extremely proud to compete in the race as Invictus Atlantic, raising money and awareness for the Trust. It’s such a pleasure to have Aspects Holidays as our lead sponsor for the race, their enthusiasm for what we are attempting is infectious!”
Aspects Holidays Director, Mandy Spencer says “Supporting a children's mental health charity resonates with so many of us with teenage children. Our young people can find childhood so hard to navigate these days and little wonder when considering the world as it is with wars, climate collapse, crises of identity, and all this mediated through the screens of social media! We hope that our support means the amazing The Invictus Trust, can give kids the chance to grow up with hope, resilience, and joy. Every contribution helps create a brighter future for young people struggling with mental health and can make all the difference, not just to the child, but their family too."
The team is currently raising funds for their challenge through corporate sponsorship while also fundraising for the charity. If you'd like to support the cause, click here to see their Just Giving page.
After the challenge, their equipment will be sold, with all proceeds going directly to the Invictus Trust. We are wishing the team good luck for the challenge and will be cheering them on all way, and we'll share regular updates as they embark on this epic adventure. Read more about the challenge and the charity on the Invictus Atlantic website.