30-01-2025
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
