Former Royal Marine Commando and Plymouth legend Chris Thrall is to embark on his biggest challenge yet with ‘Oceans ELITE Atlantic Row’ later this year.
‘Skipper’ Chris, who is 54, will be joined by three other military veterans and a civilian, all of whom manage a significant physical or mental condition – complex PTSD, learning disability and severe brain injury. The 2024 Oceans ELITE Atlantic Row will see the team leaving in a 20 foot boat in December for the 3,000 miles unsupported rowing marathon from Gran Canaria to Barbados.
Oceans ELITE will face hunger, exhaustion, monotony, dehydration, injuries and unpredictable weather. They will row for fourteen hours a day in a gruelling two-hours-on, two-hours-off routine, surviving on dehydrated food, desalinated water and sleeping in a cramped cabin.
Their mission is to shine a light for struggling veterans, inspire veterans struggling with PTSD, increase awareness of the challenges veterans face and remove the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help. They also want to get homeless veterans into accommodation and training and support bereaved service children.
The charities they will raise vital funds for are Scotty’s Little Soldiers – who support bereaved service children – and Alabaré, a rehousing project for homeless veterans.
The Atlantic Ocean row is the latest challenge for Chris, who was awarded the title of English Veteran of the Year for Inspiration in 2022 after running the length of the UK unaided to raise funds for military charities.
Chris, who is also an author and motivational speaker, said:
“I grew up reading the awe-inspiring sea-going odysseys of Shackleton, Heyerdahl and Knox-Johnston. In a world of ever-increasing risk avoidance and toxic screen time, let’s keep the spirit of adventure alive and inspire the younger generation.”
For more information and for details on providing sponsorship and donations visit www.oceanseliterow.com
