Team undertake Talisker Whisky Atlantic Rowing Challenge to raise money for Wessex Cancer Trust

A ROWING team is to undertake a gruelling trans-Atlantic crossing to raise money for a cancer charity which is caring for one of the team member’s wives who is battling the disease.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Bubbleheads team are to take part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge to raise funds for the Wessex Cancer Trust who have provided support for Nikki Piper, wife of team member, James.

Six years ago, Nikki, 37, was diagnosed with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a rare type of cancer and has been receiving ongoing treatment from the charity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

James, 32, from Portsmouth, said: ‘This is a very personal challenge for me. Nikki is seriously ill but knowing the support has been there for both of us has been a big relief. The trust supports Nikki with her treatments including things like therapeutic massage.

Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse     (110320-08)Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse     (110320-08)
Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw Picture: Chris Moorhouse (110320-08)
Read More
Coronavirus: Americas Cup World Series Portsmouth update

The team is hoping to raise £100,000 with the bulk of the money going to the charity and have also named the 8m vessel in honour of Nikki.

With three of the four strong team coming from the forces, some of the money will be going to the Royal British Legion as well as St Jude’s Children's charity, chosen by the team’s Texas based sponsor, Helix.

The team are scheduled to depart from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 before embarking on the 3,000 mile journey to Antigua.

Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw will race across the Atlantic in this boat in December
Picture: Chris Moorhouse     (110320-07)Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw will race across the Atlantic in this boat in December
Picture: Chris Moorhouse     (110320-07)
Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw will race across the Atlantic in this boat in December Picture: Chris Moorhouse (110320-07)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Former Royal Navy diver, Andrew Taw, 37, said: ‘We were out in Antigua a few years ago and we saw the teams arrive. I always thought it would be a great challenge to take on.’

Team mate, Chris Ayres, 40, added: ‘Depending on conditions, the crossing should take between 30 and 40 days. Each pair will take turns rowing two hours on and two hours off. On a good day we would hope to cover 100 miles although if the wind and tide is against you then sometimes you are literally rowing to stand still.’

The £70,000 boat, which will be sold to raise money for the charities, has two cabins, a desalination pump and two solar panels to generate electricity.

Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse     (110320-10)Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw 
Picture: Chris Moorhouse     (110320-10)
Chris Ayres, left, and Andrew Taw Picture: Chris Moorhouse (110320-10)

Andrew said: ‘The main dangers are 8m high waves which can potentially capsize the boat. There are support yachts which means you should never be more than 48 hours from being rescued.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chris added: ‘Once a week you have to get in the water to clean the hull to keep it streamlined. During this process one of us needs to be on shark watch.’

Completing the team is former Royal Engineer, Lewis Lock, 36. They are hoping to gain additional sponsorship and anyone who would like to donate to their cause should go to http://thebubbleheads.co.uk