Trailblazing alumnus to take on one of world's toughest rowing challenges for charity
In December 2025, graduate Jamie Kidd (Accounting and Finance BSc Hons, 2021) alongside four teammates, will attempt to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to break a world record and raise funds for charity.
13 November 2024
In December 2025, Jamie and his team will join over 40 other crews to compete in one of the world’s toughest endurance tests: a 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. The race begins in La Gomera in the Canary Islands and ends in Antigua, with teams expected to row continuously for six weeks.
With two-hour shifts on the oars, Jamie and his crew will face sleep deprivation, unpredictable weather, and the immense physical toll of the journey.
Jamie "The row is over 3,000 miles. We will do a shift pattern of two hours on and two hours off for roughly six weeks—the same distance as rowing the channel 144 times!”
Jamie and his team have set an ambitious goal to raise over £60,000 for three charities: Mind LLR, Birch Tree Café, and Dementia Adventure.
- Mind LLR: A mental health charity supporting over 130,000 people in the UK.
- Birch Tree Café: A small cafe run by young adults with Down Syndrome.
- Dementia Adventure: Offers nature-based holidays to families affected by dementia.
Jamie, "The World's Toughest Row presents an extraordinary test, but it's also an incredible opportunity to raise valuable awareness and funding for these deserving charities."
Jamie will row alongside four friends under the team name 'Secondoary,' a play on the word 'oar.' The team, all from Rutland, includes Jamie, Oliver Pickwell, Ollie Hamilton, Adam Rowlatt, and James Leetch.
They plan to return to Rutland to begin training on Rutland Water with their R45 Elite rowing vessel.
The inspiration behind the challenge
Jamie is dedicated to supporting important causes. In 2022, he raised over £2,000 for the Birch Tree Cafe through monthly physical challenges alongside a close friend. That experience, coupled with witnessing the inspiring finish of the 2023 Atlantic Rowing Race, cemented Jamie’s commitment to participate.
“Meeting some of these inspiring rowers has kindled an even greater flame within me, reinforcing my commitment to take on this formidable challenge”.
He adds, “These experiences have opened my eyes as to what you can achieve simply by being consistent; as a result of which, I continue to push myself physically through running, lifting weights, and gymnastics.”
Supporting Jamie's journey
To learn more about their journey, Jamie's personal reasons for participating, or to contribute to their fundraising efforts, you can find them on Instagram and LinkedIn or reach out directly via email secondoaryfun@gmail.com.