Two North East fire fighters are making dreams come true when they take on the world’s toughest rowing race across the Atlantic.
Paul Hopkins 51 and Paul Towers 44 will be testing their physical and mental strength when they take part in the Atlantic Dream 17 rowing race to raise money for two North East Charities Tiny Lives and The Firefighters Charity.
On November 28th, the men will set off on a world challenge to row 3000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean. The two-man rowing boat will carry them, their food, medical kit and safety equipment for the entire crossing.
Paul Towers said “I have wanted to do this for about five years and after chatting to Paul at work he agreed to accompany me.
“So far it has been challenging. I’m new to fundraising and it has been tough trying to raise funds for the journey and for our chosen charities.
“We chose Tiny Lives as three men from other stations have had premature babies, so it’s something that as a local charity was close to our hearts and after meeting the fantastic team we knew we wanted to help.
“And, the Firefighters Charity always support us in our daily lives as firefighters and we wanted to give something back.”
The men are looking to set off on November 28th for La Gomera in the Canary Islands and on the 10th December will start their journey to the Caribbean island of Antigua.
The journey will take them away from their families for Christmas and New Year and is estimated to take around 65 days.
Paul Hopkins said, “Some people might ask ‘Why the Atlantic?’ and I reply ‘Why not? It’s a journey, a fantastic experience and life is too short.
“More people have actually been into space or climbed Everest than physically rowed the Atlantic.
Both Pauls will be holding a fundraising 4 day row event in The Gate Newcastle on later in the year and welcome anyone to come along and support.
The Tiny Lives Trust is a registered charity that helps to care for sick and premature newborn babies and is based in Newcastle’s RVI neonatal unit.
The Firefighters Charity is committed to helping sick and injured members of the fire and rescue community, including serving and retired members of the fire service, fire personnel and their families.
To read more about their journey or make a donation please visit www.atlanticdream17.com