'One of the most formidable challenges' - rowing team take on 3,000-mile Atlantic Challenge in aid of charities

By Claire Dukes - 29 October 2019

CharitySport

A couple from Swindon are taking on "one of the toughest challenges on the planet" by rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in aid of four charities.

In December 2020 team of four, Generation Gap, will be braving 50-foot waves and painful salt sores by rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic for charity.

Victoria Micó Egea, 29, and Edward Raymont, 28, - a couple from Swindon - will be setting sail with their teammates - father and daughter - Rodger Staniforth, 58, and Brittany Staniforth, 27, on 13 December 2020.

The challenge, and time leading up to December 2020, will see the team raise money for Mind, the Royal Marines Charity, Women's Aid and Rural Action Nepal. The team has a thirty-one-year age gap between their youngest and eldest member which inspired the team name.

Team Generation Gap will cross La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean - amongst 30 other competitors from across the globe - as part of the 2020 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The rowers will alternate by rowing two hours on and two hours off the entire duration of the crossing - which for some, can last more than 100 days. Victoria Micó Egea says the challenge will include 50-foot waves, powerful storms, wildlife, painful salt sores and blistering.

She said: "Rowing the Atlantic is one of the most formidable challenges on the planet.

"More people have been into space, and been at the top of the Everest, than have rowed the Atlantic, and it is rightly considered as one of the toughest challenges on the planet.

"Team members have been competitive rowers, climbed tall mountains, ran long (and ultra-long!) distances, and even completed the training to become a Royal Marine Commando. Clearly our team have a strong sense of adventure and commitment and are always up for an adventure, and the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge does tick the two boxes really well!

"Making the most of our adventure, we are hoping to raise money for, and awareness of the amazing work that our four chosen charities do."

Throughout the duration of the rowing challenge the teammates will stay aboard the boat in open water. After discussing the idea over some beers, friends and rowing partners Victoria and Brittany say the realities of the challenge are now sinking in. 

Brittany Staniford said: "It will be tough out there - imagine seeing land going off into the distance and having nowhere to escape to just go for a walk and stretch your legs.

"Having insight and awareness will hopefully get us to the other side in one piece and still be friends!"

Generation Gap will begin the 2020 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on 13 December 2020. 

For further information and to support team Generation Gap visit www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/2020-race-entrants/ or www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=GenerationGap&isTeam=%20true

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