University of Bradford graduates complete trans-Atlantic row
Three University of Bradford graduates have completed an impressive 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic.
Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy, and Ethan Chapman—collectively known as the Par-oar-medics—finished the gruelling Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 48 days, four hours, and 17 minutes.
Billed as the 'world's toughest row,' the challenge saw the trio face a cyclone and row alongside dolphins and whales.
A giant tuna, fondly named Timmy, also became a mascot, residing beneath their boat for two weeks.
They concluded their journey in Antigua.
In a post on social media announcing the conclusion of their row, on Tuesday, January 28, the Par-oar-medics wrote: "We rowed the Atlantic.
"These intrepid Par-oar-medics battled through a cyclone at the start, depriving them of any sleep.
"They rowed with pods of dolphins, whales, giant tuna (one who lived under the boat for two weeks and was named Timmy); stalking was done by the dreaded 'Marlins'.
"These seriously tough paramedics have had some bizarre and bonkers hallucinations along the way, experienced the awesome beauty of the ocean's skies, and lived as one with the power of the ocean - "it's all blue blue blue" as they said everyday!
"Waves as big as 9ft (20ft says Ethan), storm winds up to 35mph, and some huge ocean swells all failed to put them off their fabulous freeze-dried nosh.
"Overall, yes they are very wobbly, but remain in good spirits with huge smiles and no loss of humour on dry land.
"A bond like no other between them, showing respect, the power of their comradeship, teamwork, and determination."
The group set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands last month.
All three of the rowers graduated with a BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science from the University of Bradford in July 2023.
As of yesterday (Wednesday, January 29), they had raised more than £21,300 for MacMillan Cancer Support, Stroke Association UK, and the Ambulance Staff Charity.
The trio were sponsored by Unique Fitness (based at the University of Bradford), and Abraxas Catering Equipment.
Professor Shirley Congdon, vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: "Congratulations to Ken, Tom, and Ethan on their inspirational achievement.
"We are delighted that they have completed their amazing challenge, and it is just another example of our students, both past and present, making the impossible possible.
"All three of them will help to make a difference to people's lives through the money they have raised for their chosen charities."
Donations can still be made at https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paroarmedicschallenge
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Paramedic takes on driving challenge for cancer
A paramedic from Cornwall is taking on a bucket list challenge of driving 7,000 miles (11,265km) across Europe to raise money for the cancer charity that supported him. Richard Mellor aims to drive his electric car from his home in Bodmin across eight different countries to the most northern point in Europe reached by road in Nordkapp, Norway. Mr Mellor, from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago and has been supported by Macmillan Cancer Support. "I want to do this road trip to show that, even after multiple operations and during extended cancer treatment, you can still live your dreams," he said. The trip will see him travel through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland before the final leg in Norway. He is due to start the challenge on 5 June, will wild camp along the route and said he hoped to complete it in about three weeks. Mr Mellor said when he was diagnosed with cancer "everything stopped" and he "forgot to keep living". He said the "cancer dominated everything" in his life. "My life was just getting through each day and I felt I couldn't make any plans for the future," Mr Mellor said. "Many people have a bucket list that they intend to do one day, but before you realise, that day has passed." He hopes to raise £3,000 for the charity so they can support others in the future. More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Annual 'rowathon' to raise cancer charity funds Cancer hike raises more than £500k for charity 'My bowel cancer diagnosis prompted me to raise awareness' South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Macmillan Cancer Support
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘We got bored of real life' – UK women ready for pioneering row across Pacific
Two UK women are aiming to become the first team to row the Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported. Miriam Payne, 25, from East Yorkshire, and Jess Rowe, 28, from Hampshire, are planning to set off from Peru on Friday as they look to complete an 8,000km journey. The duo hope to raise £50,000 as part of the mission for Outward Bound Trust, a UK-based charity which helps children develop lifelong skills through adventure. 'I think we got bored of real life,' Ms Payne told the PA news agency. 'At this point we're so ready to get out there and get away from this chaos and all the packing and planning – it's been a long process.' Ms Rowe added: 'We absolutely love being at sea and the simple life as well – I think we might even get a bit more sleep out there!' Ms Payne and Ms Rowe plan to row in alternating two-hour shifts, and predict it will take around six months to reach Australia, aiming for Sydney Harbour. The pair met in 2022 in the Canary Islands when they were preparing for The World's Toughest Row – previously known as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – for which they rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Ms Payne broke the race record for the fastest female solo row, which was also her first sea race, while Ms Rowe participated with a team of four women called Full Throttle, winning the female race and Murden Cup. 'Coincidentally, we both signed up to row the Atlantic the same year, and we chatted a bit online beforehand and then met at the start line, and became really good friends through that,' said Ms Payne. 'Jess was working on yachts at the time, so I did it solo, she did it as part of a four, and she was there in Antigua for my arrival. 'I think it was the sole reason why I had a really good arrival party, because she brought all her friends and stuff like that and within a few days we were sat on the end of my hotel bed figuring out 'what's the next big adventure we could do?'' Alongside working full-time office jobs, both women have spent two years preparing for the expedition, driving around the country on weekends to train in Hartlepool and Chichester. Challenges will include sleep deprivation, large waves, potential injuries, capsizing, and sea traffic in areas such as Lima, where there will be large container ships. 'There's lots of things that can go wrong out there, it is a very dangerous environment,' said Ms Rowe. Meanwhile, although the trip is expected to take around six months, Ms Payne acknowledged that they do not have control over the elements. 'I think ultimately it's that respect for the ocean and it is up to Mother Nature to decide,' she said. 'There's a lot of people saying you conquer the ocean but you absolutely don't.' The pair will be entirely self-sufficient during the expedition and have learned to fix things on the boat including their water maker, electronics, seats and oars. Both women completed first aid training to deal with any injuries and also have the support of a TeleMed service, a remote healthcare service which will give the crew 24-hour access to a doctor. They aim to eat 5,000 calories a day, and they will use a desalinator, a device which removes salt and other minerals from seawater, to create fresh drinking water. The duo have been in Peru for a month and wanted to set off earlier than their start date, but their boat was delayed in customs for two weeks. They said they will return to their jobs at the end of the expedition, but the campaign will not end there as they plan to carry out talks at schools and to continue working with the Outward Bound Trust. To find out more about their fundraising, visit:
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Record-breaking adventurer to take on new 28,000 mile year-long sailing journey
A record-breaking adventurer from North Yorkshire is set to take on a new challenge after smashing previous records across the globe. Jasmine Harrison, the trailblazing British sailor, swimmer and rower, and double-world record holder, is embarking on yet another daring challenge: the Mini Globe Race 2025. The 25-year-old member of the Thirsk Rotary Club in Yorkshire, England, will set sail on a 45,000-kilometer (28,000-mile) journey, starting on February 23 in Antigua. Jasmine Harrison (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Sailing aboard her self-built plywood yacht "Numbatou," she will compete alongside 14 other participants in this epic, westward journey around the Southern Hemisphere, expected to conclude in February 2026. Harrison's passion for adventure is well documented. She first gained international recognition in 2021, when she became the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Jasmine takes on a 900 mile swim (Image: JASMINE HARRISON) At just 21 years old, she completed the gruelling 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 70 days, three hours, and 48 minutes. Her remarkable feat earned widespread media coverage, and she has since inspired countless individuals through her achievements. Not one to rest on her laurels, Harrison then set out to conquer another extreme endurance challenge. Jasmine in Thirsk Market Square (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) In 2023, she became the first woman to swim the full 900-mile length of the British Isles from Land's End to John O'Groats. Over 110 days, she battled powerful waves, harsh weather conditions, and relentless jellyfish stings, pushing her physical and mental limits. Along the way, she swam for up to ten hours a day and took shelter in a small support boat, "Kelpie." Jasmine Harrison (Image: JASMINE HARRISON) Her determination and resilience through this brutal journey solidified her status as one of the most fearless endurance athletes of her generation. Recommended reading: County Durham school locked down after reports of a 'man with knife' Water captured gushing down Darlington street after main bursts overnight Shopper 'soaked with toilet sewage' after pipe breaks in Durham M&S foodhall Through her latest sailing endeavour, Harrison aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation, particularly the threats posed by ocean pollution and its impact on marine life. This cause aligns with her previous charitable efforts, such as fundraising for organizations like Surfers Against Sewage and Sea Shepherd UK during her record-breaking swim. Despite the inevitable challenges of the Mini Globe Race—ranging from unpredictable weather conditions to the logistical difficulties of solo ocean navigation—Harrison remains undaunted.
