Four brave Army officers from the Educational and Training Services are taking to the ocean to raise money for charity in a gruelling challenge.
Each year in December, up to 30 teams from around the world gather at in La Gomera, Canary Islands, to take part in The World’s Toughest Row – 3,000 miles non-stop across the Atlantic. Army Benevolent Fund is thrilled that this year a four-strong team of Army officers, the Oarsome Army Educators from the Adjutant General’s Corps Educational and Training Services (ETS) Branch, will be competing in support of the charity.
Team members Dec Lynn, Jess Hunter, Gian-Luc Angiolini, and Graham Doyle are passionate advocates for their work as Army educators, and are rowing both to raise funds for the ABF, and awareness of the opportunities the Army provides to maximise the potential of its people.
Working in pairs, rowing round the clock in 2-hour shifts, the Oarsome Army Educators hope to reach their destination within 40 days. They are currently training to withstand the challenges of navigating busy shipping lanes and 30-foot waves while facing sleep deprivation, salt sores, and hunger, as they journey from Spain to Antigua & Barbuda.
The inspiration for this voyage came from Dec Lynn’s personal battle with cancer, after which he set himself a big, audacious goal. The rest of the team were quick to jump on board and support him. Their 8.5m rowing boat is named after their inspiring colleague, Lieutenant Colonel Jane Hunter, an Army education and training officer who sadly passed away in service in 2021.
The team is aiming to raise a minimum of £5,000 for the charity. To find out more and to show your support, please visit the JustGiving page.