Rowing solo

Since the age of 16, Olly Hicks dreamt of attempting a rowing voyage. Eight years later, at the age of 24, he set three world records by rowing solo across the Northern Atlantic from the USA to England.

To achieve this, Olly not only endured hours of physical training and preparation, he also invested a substantial amount of time and energy into securing sponsorship and fundraising to turn his dream into a reality. Olly has raised more than £40,000 to support our work.

Olly’s world records were a combination of ambition, taking calculated risks, his refusal to fail, relentless hard work and passionate dedication. Less than 150 people have rowed the Atlantic and only 12 have done so from West to East.

This is what renowned entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson had to say about Olly,

“He has been followed by sharks and coped with horrendous storms along the way. It is as remarkable an achievement as any of the great British adventurers and, unlike say Scott of the Antarctic, he has managed to come all the way home.”

Find out more about Olly’s next adventure to row solo around the world.

Meet more champions...
Dom Gill, who cycled from Alaska to the southernmost tip of South America.

Nick Hewer, who wanted a little adventure so decided to take on the Mongol Rally.

Al Humphreys, who supported us by cycling around the world, as well as coming up with a fantastic fundraising idea called ‘Penny Wars’. You will need Adobe Reader to view this PDF file – download it for free.