After nearly two months alone at sea, battling some of the harshest conditions on earth, Tom Skinner has crossed the finish line of the World’s Toughest Row, completing an extraordinary solo Atlantic crossing while raising vital funds and awareness for the Lewy Body Society.
Tom finished the race in an incredible time of 52 days, 23 hours and 8 minutes, rowing solo from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. Covering more than 3,000 miles of open ocean, the challenge is widely recognised as one of the most physically and mentally demanding endurance events in the world.
The World’s Toughest Row Atlantic saw 43 teams and 114 competitors from 20 nations take on the crossing. Completing the challenge solo requires an exceptional level of endurance, resilience and mental strength.
Tom said: “Whilst training for the row, my father-in-law was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Having only recently retired as a commercial pilot, it was devastating news for Jon and the family. It is the ‘worst thing I’ve ever seen happen to a human’. And there is currently no cure.”
During his time at sea, the financial planning director faced enormous waves, thunderstorms, frustrating flat water, persistent headwinds, isolation and extreme sleep deprivation.
Speaking from his boat BeHatty after a hard day at the oars, Tom said: “I think, or I don’t think, I know – anybody suffering with Lewy body dementia would trade their life for mine, even on the very worst days out here.”
So far, his extraordinary feat has raised more than £36,000 in support of the Lewy Body Society. These funds will support research into Lewy body dementia, improve awareness of the condition, and help provide information and support for families living with the disease.
He was delighted to be reunited with his wife Jane and sons Charlie and Otto when he made landfall in Antigua.
Jacqui Cannon, CEO of the Lewy Body Society, said: “Everyone at the Lewy Body Society would like to congratulate Tom on this remarkable achievement and thank him for his determination, commitment and support for the Lewy body dementia community.
“As the Lewy Body Society marks 20 years of standing alongside people living with Lewy body dementia and their families, Tom’s achievement is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals and communities come together to drive change. His journey has helped spark conversations about Lewy body dementia and brought new audiences to the charity’s work at a milestone moment in its history.”
If you would like to support Tom’s incredible effort and help power the Lewy Body Society’s work for the next 20 years – funding research, improving diagnosis, raising awareness and supporting families living with Lewy body dementia – you can still donate here.
