THE ROW

Hi. My name’s Tom. I’ve decided to row the distance of 2,288.8km to raise money for Shout.

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text 85258.

I lost my friend James to suicide. I was diagnosed with depression 12 months ago. I’ve had recent struggles with coming to terms with this and the impact it’s having.

To provide a purpose and to raise for a mental health service, I decided that I will row the distance between Bury St. Edmunds (my hometown) and Lisbon (where James spent his last days).

The plan is to row 5km sessions that will chip away at the total. 25 days rowing each month for 18 (and a bit) months. 458 rows in total. The challenge is in the discipline for a year and a half to turn up and row.

The row started on 01/01/24.

It is planned to finish on 08/07/25.