RAF Flight Sergeant takes on mammoth 3,700 mile Indian Ocean row in latest charity challenge

An RAF Flight Sergeant based in Hampshire is stepping up his fundraising exploits by taking on a mega rowing challenge – in a bid to raise £250k for three charities.

Flight sergeant Phil Angus, hit the headlines back in 2024, when he completed the Atlantic Dash from Lanzarote to Antigua, raising £25k for five charities.

Now Phil, who is based at RAF Odiham, is teaming up with RAF Corporal Gary Binns and fellow fundraiser Rod Adlington to ramp his rowing efforts up to another level by taking on a row in the Indian Ocean – a crossing that has only ever been completed by 50 people.

They will tackle the Indian Ocean Challenge, which covers 3,700 miles from Australia to Mauritius, with the crossing taking between 60 and 90 days to complete.

They will face cyclones and strong currents, with the challenge labelled one of the most demanding ocean crossings in the world.

Only 25 successful crossings have ever been recorded, with just 50 people said to have completed the row.

The Flight Sergeant, who has served in the RAF since 2006 and has completed various tours of Afghanistan and the Middle East has teamed up with Rod, a Midlands farmer, who has also previously rowed across the Atlantic.

He previously raised £146k in memory of his son Barney, who died of Meningitis, aged three. The trio will take on the fresh Indian Ocean challenge in aid of the Get A-Head Charitable Trust, a charity supporting people with head and neck cancer, Meningitis Now and the Veteran’s Charity.

Phil said: “The last challenge was a huge challenge for us all, and it took an awful lot to get to the end of it, but it was so rewarding.

“This new challenge in the Indian Ocean is a different beast – but it is one I’m certainly up for. I want to test myself and push myself, and the chance to potentially join a unique group of people is exciting.

“It is great to be alongside Gary again, and to be joining Rod who has completed some epic challenges and achieved some fantastic fundraising in the past.”

A fourth rower is due to be recruited to the team and the crew will be named ‘Barney’s Boys’ in memory of Rod’s son Barney. The farmer, from Solihull, has taken on a number of fundraising challenges in the past, including the row and a cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Danni Heath, Director of Get A-Head, said the charities were gearing up to support the crew in 2027 as they embarked on a tough year of training.

“Gary, Rod and Phill all did an amazing job in their Atlantic Row challenges, raising vital funds to support multiple charities between them.

“Completing one major ocean rowing challenge would be enough for most people but not for these three remarkable men.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Barney’s Boys for agreeing to this extreme challenge in support of Get A-Head and the other two causes.

“They’ll be training hard over the next 12 months to prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for the challenge and we’ll be supporting wherever we can.

“Funds raised from this will support research into causes and treatments for head and neck cancer as well as education for healthcare professionals, life-saving equipment and direct patient support.”

Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now, added: "We are incredibly grateful to Rod for his continued commitment to supporting Meningitis Now and for the extraordinary lengths he is prepared to go to in memory of his son Barney.

“This is an extraordinary challenge, and one that will help us continue our vital work to save lives and support families affected by meningitis.

“We wish Rod, Gary, Phil and the whole Barney’s Boys team the very best of luck with their preparations and the challenge itself. We’ll be cheering them on every step – or rather, every stroke – of the way. Thank you for their incredible generosity, courage and commitment.”

Danny Greeno, chief executive of The Veterans Charity, said: “Gary and Phil went above and beyond for us when they rowed the Atlantic, so we’re thrilled they’re taking on the Indian Ocean with Rod and choosing to support us again.

“For a small charity like ours every pound makes a real difference and the money Barney’s Boys raise will help us give fast, practical support to veterans facing hardship right across the UK. We’ll be cheering the whole crew on every mile of the way.”