Feel-good Friday

After disembarking from Gran Canaria for the Atlantic in December, North West Super Hub postie, Louie and his skipper Chris set sail to Barbados - covering a staggering 3,000 miles in 50 days by continuously rowing.

This fulfilled a mission that was born from personal struggle, determination, and a shared commitment to raising awareness for mental health.

Though initially novices, Louie and Chris' dedication to their training paid off as they rowed day and night, only taking brief 20-minute breaks.

‘We created a system, we watched the weather closely and caught the storms for speed and distance,’ said Louis.

The journey was a gruelling challenge, which came with moments of awe as they were joined by dolphins, fish, and birds along the way.

Being at sea for 50 days starting in December meant the crew of two had a unique Christmas, staying in touch with family by Starlink internet but knowing the support back home kept their spirits high.

‘The reward was in simply being able to do it,’ said Louie. ‘The final finish was incredibly emotional knowing that we’d pushed through together. The highlight of the challenge wasn’t just finishing - it was being able to reconnect with loved ones and receive overwhelming support along the way.

Upon finishing their row, Louie and Chris hopped off their boat with sea legs - struggling to walk for up to four days as they regained their land balance. Still, the journey was worth every step.

The challenge also gave them the chance to raise awareness and funds for the charities they hold close to their hearts, Alibare and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. With over £65,000 raised, they’ve brought much-needed attention to mental health issues in the service community.

Louie and Chris’ courage and resilience serve as a reminder that no challenge is too great, and sometimes the greatest rewards come from pushing beyond what we think is possible.

Well done to the courageous crew!