Four Friends Embark on Epic Row Across the Atlantic to Support Youth Mental Health in Cornwall

Four friends from Cornwall, each with a history in the Armed Forces, are set to embark on a remarkable journey to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Invictus Atlantic team aims to raise £100,000 for the Invictus Trust, a Cornish mental health charity for young people, by participating in the World’s Toughest Row.

The Invictus Trust

The Invictus Trust was founded in January 2011 by the Cowburn family from Truro in memory of Ben Cowburn, who tragically took his own life at 18 after struggling with mental illness. The family has since campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and improve services for adolescent mental health in Cornwall. Their efforts led to the establishment of Cornwall’s first residential adolescent mental health unit after a seven-year campaign.

In January this year, the Invictus Trust launched a pilot counselling service for 11 to 21-year-olds in partnership with CLEAR, another Cornish charity. The service received over 100 referrals in its first eight days and delivered or scheduled over 1,000 counselling sessions in its first six months, highlighting the significant demand for mental health support among young people in Cornwall.

Meet the Team

The Invictus Atlantic crew comprises four friends with strong ties to Cornwall:

James Brittain-Long

A 59-year-old local businessman and gig rower from Constantine. James is a member of the Helford River Gig Club and has a passion for rowing and music. He lives with his family in West Cornwall, close to the Helford River. James is dedicated to giving back to his community and supporting adolescent mental health through the Invictus Trust.

Paul Hayes

A 61-year-old former Royal Marine Commando, now a teacher and school leader from Falmouth. Paul has lived in Cornwall for the last 30 years and is an avid rugby player, hill walker, sailor, surfer, and kayaker. His experience as a teacher has made him acutely aware of the mental health challenges facing young people in Cornwall, and he is committed to making a difference through this rowing challenge.

Luke Morgan

A 61-year-old former RNAS Culdrose helicopter pilot and now an instructor/examiner. Luke worked in Cornwall for 12 years and has a deep love for the water and adventure. Currently living in Norfolk, he works as a helicopter instructor/examiner mainly in the Air Ambulance sector. Luke is passionate about supporting the Invictus Trust and the incredible work they do for adolescent mental health.

David Radford-Wilson

A 58-year-old former Royal Engineer Officer and now a global project director. David has a passion for adventure and the outdoors, having led a team on the North Face of Mt Everest and run the Marathon de Sables in the Sahara Desert. He has seen the impact of mental health challenges from various angles and is honoured to raise funds for the Invictus Trust.

Local Support and Sponsorship

The team has received backing from local businesses, including Aspects Holidays, Seasalt Clothing, and Fourth Element. Mandy Spencer, commercial director of Aspects Holidays, expressed pride in supporting the team and emphasised the importance of adolescent mental health services in Cornwall.

James Brittain-Long, team skipper and member of the Helford River Gig Club, highlighted the team’s deep ties to Cornwall and their commitment to raising funds for the Invictus Trust. He acknowledged the hard work of training and preparation, thanking their main sponsor and other supporters.

The Challenge Ahead

The World’s Toughest Row covers 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua. The Invictus Atlantic crew will row approximately six million oar strokes, burning over 6,000 calories a day. They will face 40-foot waves, carry all their provisions, make their own drinking water, and navigate the Atlantic’s unpredictable conditions.

Sharon Cowburn, co-founder of the Invictus Trust, expressed gratitude to the team for choosing their charity and highlighted the ongoing need for mental health services for young people in Cornwall. She hopes the funds raised will demonstrate the value of their counselling service and secure permanent funding from NHS commissioners.

Supporting the Cause

To support the Invictus Atlantic team’s fundraising efforts, donations can be made via their website Invictus Atlantic. The team’s journey not only aims to raise crucial funds but also to raise awareness about the importance of mental health support for young people in Cornwall. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of young people struggling with mental health issues. Visit Invictus Atlantic today and donate to this worthy cause.