PREVIEW

Yorkshireman Tom Waddington has gone on a voyage far beyond God’s own county - completing an extraordinary 2,300-mile solo row across the North Atlantic Ocean.

The gruelling journey, which saw him travel from Canada to the UK, was undertaken to raise funds for the mental health charity, Mind. He finished his row in the Isles of Scilly on Tuesday (20August2024) due to an incoming storm.

Tom set out with a target of £50,000 but exceeded his goal, raising an impressive £60,000.

The decision to take on this monumental challenge stemmed from a deeply personal tragedy. In 2020, Tom lost his girlfriend, Hatty, in a car accident.

His grief was compounded by the isolation of the Covid lockdowns, leading him to seek support from Mind. It was this experience that inspired him to give back to the charity by embarking on this daring expedition.

Upon completing the challenge, Tom expressed his elation: "After three years of training, I’m overjoyed to have reached the UK and to have raised awareness and funds for Mind, who provide crucial support to so many. Hatty was an incredibly special person, and I’m proud to have undertaken this challenge in her memory."

Setting off from Quidi Vidi in Canada on 5 July 2024, Tom faced numerous challenges, including being capsized three times, battling sleep exhaustion, enduring seasickness, and navigating treacherous weather with winds exceeding 40 knots.

Tom, who upon his arrival was greeted by his fiancée Stephanie, added: "With the Olympics and Paralympics happening this summer, and in light of recent tragic events in the cricketing world, the need to promote and maintain positive mental health has never been more urgent. We must continue the conversation—it truly can save lives."

Despite all these hardships, like a true Yorkshireman, Halifax’s Tom kept the world updated with regular video messages, shared via social media, thanks to the satellite equipment on board.

Reflecting on his journey, Tom shared, "I’ll never forget this experience, especially the moments when whales appeared, lifting my spirits during times of exhaustion. I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this endeavour, including my family, friends, and sponsors."