Charity rowers in round-UK challenge

Pete Rowlands, from Long Riston in East Yorkshire and three companions, will set out from Tower Bridge on June 1 in their 30ft rowing boat in what is billed the hardest rowing race in the world.

So far four teams have signed up for the unsupported race in which contenders are at the mercy of the elements.

The Commando Joe team – Mark Waterson, from Harrogate and John Mollison, from Perth who served with Mr Rowlands in 59 Commando in the Falklands and Dave Hartley – will be raising money for the Meningitis Trust and the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association.

Mr Rowlands has raised nearly £300,000 for the trust in a series of challenges since his son Gareth, died from meningitis in 2003. Gareth would have turned 25 this year. He said: “I think he’d be proud of his Dad’s achievements, envious that he hasn’t completed them with me because we had a fantastic relationship.”

While there are wonderful sunsets and views of the coast and wildlife to look forward to, miles of soaking and battering from the weather will leave them with blisters, chafing and “row claw” – where the fingers are left clenched in rowing position.

Mr Rowlands, who rowed across the Atlantic with Mr Waterson five years ago in a record-breaking 83 days, said: “Having rowed the North Atlantic we are fully aware that we’re at the mercy of the elements. We can put every ounce of physical effort into it, but it will be the elements which allow us to achieve our goal or not.”

Mr Mollison, who took part in last year’s Virgin GB Row, added: “People talk about breaking records. But it is utter nonsense. Mother Nature decides all that. We have a clear mission to complete it – however long it takes.”

The team is looking for sponsors. If you can help email [email protected]