Three British soldiers are gearing up to embark on an epic venture for charity over the next two years, by becoming the first military trio from any nation to row across an ocean.
Wimbledon-born Lieutenant Robert Cross (Welsh Guards), along with army colleagues Lt Charles Newman (Royal Artillery) from Wiltshire and Lt Robert Treasure (The Rifles) from Shropshire, are preparing to take on the ‘Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge’ in 2024 – an unsupported rowing challenge across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera to Antigua, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and three regimental charities. Whilst singles, doubles and fours have taken on the challenge from the military, no trio has yet.
The challenge will take around 35 days and will see the trio – known as TEAM V3NTURE – row 3,000 miles in total. They have set themselves the target of raising £200,000 for charity, with 70% of the funds to be donated to Macmillan in memory of Rob’s father, Stephen Treasure, who lost his life to cancer in June 2021. The remaining 30% will be donated to three regimental charities – the Rifles Regimental Trust, the Royal Artillery Association and the Welsh Guards Charity.
Charles said: “We met at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2019 and have been firm friends since. After fundraising at home through Covid by running marathons in our gardens, we decided to take on our latest venture – an international event regarded as the world’s most demanding ocean rowing race, rowing 3000 miles in an 8m boat!”
Rob Treasure told us about their motivations for taking on the challenge. He said: “We have three goals, to be the fastest trio to row the Atlantic, to be the first military trio to row any ocean, and to raise as much money for charity as possible. I lost my Dad to cancer last year, and so we want to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan, as they provide such a huge amount of help and comfort to people living with cancer.”
Planning for the challenge has already commenced, and the team is seeking sponsorship to support them with purchasing a boat and entry expenses.
Rob Cross said: “After the challenge, all funds raised from the sale of the boat will be donated to our chosen charities at a 70/30 split, with Macmillan receiving 70% of everything raised. We have partnered with some brilliant businesses so far but would love to hear from anyone interested who would like to support the team with our boat costs.”
“We have already been taking on fundraising challenges, including a 24hr static row in Waterloo station recently, with all the money going to Macmillan. Our shared love of ventures has led us to the pinnacle of ocean rowing, and this is set to be the ultimate mental and physical test for us.”
Macmillan Senior Relationship Fundraising Manager, Pauline Lewis said: “This is a monumental challenge and we are behind Rob, Charles and Rob all the way! We are so grateful that they have decided to donate the money raised to Macmillan, as whatever they raise will go a long way in providing vital support for people living with cancer.
“They are so dedicated to this challenge, and we are looking forward to keeping up with their progress and training and wish them all the very best of luck. Rob, Charles and Rob – thank you so much for supporting Macmillan.”
