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OUR CAUSE

WHY WE'RE ROWING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC 

Many of us have witnessed the impact of cancer on friends, family, and colleagues. Our Atlantic row is about more than endurance—it’s a way to give back, inspire others, and support two charities that are close to our hearts: Young Lives vs Cancer and Move Against Cancer. These charities provide vital support for individuals and families affected by cancer, helping them to stay positive, active, and resilient.

JON'S STORY: OVERCOMING  CANCER AND INSPIRING A TEAM

In 2019, our teammate Jon was diagnosed with stage 2 testicular cancer. Facing nine weeks of grueling chemotherapy, Jon drew on his passion for fitness to stay active, keeping his body strong and his spirits high. He credits his healthy lifestyle, determination, and the support of family and friends for helping him recover quickly and return to the sports he loves. Just months after completing his treatment, Jon was back to competing in triathlons at full fitness.

 

Scott and Martin, close friends and teammates, supported Jon throughout his journey, and now we’re all embarking on this Atlantic row together. Our team is inspired by Jon’s strength and resilience, and we want to make a difference for others facing similar battles.

 

Read more about Jon’s journey here: Triathlete vs Cancer

OUR CHARITIES

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We've experienced firsthand the impact of cancer within our team, and we’re inspired to raise awareness and gather donations for two incredible charities: Young Lives vs Cancer and Move Against Cancer. These organisations are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, and we’re privileged to support their efforts.

ROWING WITH PURPOSE

Cancer affects everyone, regardless of age, and as parents, we find the thought of a young child and their family facing cancer especially heart-wrenching. Our mission is to push ourselves physically and mentally to raise as much as we can to support these charities. We believe that through their work, those facing cancer can do more than just survive—they can thrive.

HOW THEY HELP

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Young Lives vs Cancer is dedicated to supporting young cancer patients and their families through every step of their journey. Facing cancer is an immense challenge for any family, and Young Lives vs Cancer works to ease that burden by offering emotional, practical, and financial support. From providing families with a comforting place to stay close to their child in treatment, to offering guidance and resources, the charity ensures no one has to face cancer alone.

 

The charity’s support includes:

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Day-to-day family support through a network of social workers

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Campaigning for positive change in cancer care​​

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Providing free ‘home from home’ accommodation for families near hospitals, ensuring they can stay close when it matters most

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Bereavement support through home visits, local groups, and memory days to help families heal​​

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​Through these services, Young Lives vs Cancer brings hope and resilience to families navigating this difficult journey.

FACTS:

Every day 12 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer help over 6000 children a year.

Nearly a million £'s worth of grants are given to families every year.

487 families stayed in a 'home from home' provided by Young Lives vs Cancer in 2023.

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The message from Move Against Cancer is clear: “Exercise is one of the most important things anyone diagnosed with cancer can do to enhance well-being and improve health outcomes.” Jon’s own cancer recovery journey has shown us the remarkable impact of exercise on both physical and mental health, and we’re thrilled to partner with Move Against Cancer to promote active living as part of recovery and beyond.

 

Move Against Cancer empowers those affected by cancer to live active, fulfilling lives through initiatives like:

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5K Your Way: Monthly, community-based Park Run events where anyone affected by cancer can walk, jog, run, cheer, or volunteer​

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Personalised 1:1 cancer rehab sessions for young people (ages 13-30) facing cancer, led by cancer rehab instructors

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Expert resources and guidance to support, educate, and inspire individuals at every stage of their cancer journey to stay active

FACTS:

There are  now 98 5K Your Way groups across the UK.

483 people have been supported through the Cancer Rehab Programme. 

£25 provides one hour of specialist 1:1 support for a young person with cancer.

Exercise can improve health outcomes both during and after cancer treatment

INSPIRING RESILIENCE AND ACTION

Our partner charities embody our mission to inspire resilience, positivity, and the importance of staying active, no matter the challenges life brings. We are proud to row for Young Lives vs Cancer and Move Against Cancer, supporting their vital work across the UK and beyond.

 

Together, we can help people of all ages not just survive, but thrive.

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