Three airline pilots take on gruelling Atlantic row to raise funds for cancer charities backed by South West Water

South West Water’s parent company, Pennon, is sponsoring three pilots preparing to row from the Canary Islands to Antigua in order to raise money for charity.

The team of three airline captains, called the Costal Commanders, will compete in The World’s Toughest Row Atlantic - a yearly competition covering over 3,000 miles.

After meeting at work five years ago, the team now hope to raise £150,000 after one team member, Jon, overcame stage two testicular cancer in 2019 following nine weeks of chemotherapy.

The colleagues, Martin Mead, Scott Dingle, and Jon Reilly, were inspired by Jon’s health struggle to raise money for both Young Lives Against Cancer and MOVE Against Cancer.

The trio have committed to over 18 months of intensive training, both on the water and in the gym, to ensure they are in peak physical and mental fitness before the challenge begins next year.

The gruelling competition will see the team each row for two hours straight before having a one hour rest for the duration of the trip, which can take up to 60 days.

They will face Atlantic storms with waves up to 20 metres high and burn on average 6,000 calories per day.

Jon said:

“I battled through three gruelling rounds of chemo to get my body back in shape to race triathlons, less than a year after diagnosis.

“I’m excited to take on the Atlantic, it’ll be my biggest challenge yet and will prove that no matter what setbacks life throws your way you can beat them and come back stronger than ever.”

Scott said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Pennon for their generous support, which is helping us get our oars in the water, take a huge step closer to the start line, and chase a new trio world record.

“With support like this, we’re not only pushing our own limits - but we’re also raising vital funds for causes that matter deeply to us and inspiring others to take on the challenges life throws their way.”

Sophie Mulligan, Fundraising Officer at MOVE Against Cancer, said: “The Coastal Commanders' commitment is hugely admirable. They've dedicated so much of their time to training and preparing for this epic challenge and to do it in support of MOVE Against Cancer means so much to us. Any donations will go directly into supporting and inspiring those affected by cancer to live an active, fulfilling life.”

Dani Twelvetree, Head of Customer Communications and Engagement at Pennon, said:

“We’re very pleased to be sponsoring the Costal Commanders for this incredible challenge.

“Both the cancer charities they’ll be raising funds for do amazing work and we’re proud to be a part of that journey.”

Get more information about the challenge and to find out how to donate.