Lambourn man prepared for 'world's toughest row'
Bad weather delays start
A LAMBOURN man is taking on the challenge of a lifetime with a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Evelyn Williams is set to row more than 3,000 nautical miles in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, described as the world’s toughest row.
He had been due to set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on Tuesday, December 15, but bad weather has delayed the start.
The 48-year-old, who was born and brought up in the village, is expected to take around 10 gruelling weeks to reach the finish line at Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.
He is undertaking the challenge propelled by his own muscle power, in aid of the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal.
Mr Williams said: “My father was very well looked after when he was treated for cancer some years ago at the old Princess Margaret Hospital and when I heard about the Radiotherapy Appeal I knew I wanted to give something back.
“I’ve done a lot of challenges before, such as the Marathon de Sables in the Sahara desert last year, but I’ve never done anything on water before. It will be phenomenal to be so close to nature and I’m sure it’ll be a breathtaking experience.”
Mr Williams will spend 15 hours each day rowing and, because the challenge does not allow any outside assistance, he will be eating and sleeping on board for the entire race.
He said: “It’s going to be scary and it’s going to be lonely but I’ll have my iPod and iPad to take the edge off and a satellite phone so I’ll be able to get in touch with people. I’ll miss my family and my cat. The thing I’m most looking forward to is finishing in one piece – it’ll be a great accomplishment. I’m just hoping I don’t get caught in any storms or hurricanes on the way.”
The head of fundraising for Brighter Futures, Jennifer Green, said: “We are so pleased that Evelyn has chosen to raise funds for our charity as part of his challenge. We are very grateful for his support and know that our Radiotherapy Appeal is close to his heart.
“Equally we are keen to support Evelyn in the challenge and will be tracking him closely on his progress across the Atlantic. As one of only six solo rowers his experience will no doubt challenge Evelyn both physically and mentally and we will be thinking of him over the Christmas period too.”
You can support to Mr Williams and the Radiotherapy Appeal through his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/ Evelyn-Williams2
