Marines raise morale for Row2Recovery all-amputee team

Royal Marines have shown their support to an all-amputee team currently rowing the Atlantic as part of the gruelling Talisker Whisky Rowing Challenge.

The Marines of 30 Commando IX GP, civil servants and members from Hasler Company rowed for 24 hours nonstop to show support and encouragement to the Row2Recovery team.  

It is the first time that an all amputee team has taken part in the Talisker Whisky Rowing Challenge which is known as the hardest rowing challenge in the world.

Regimental Sergeant Major Baz Gray, 30 Cdo IX GP said: “This is an idea I had because the Row2Recovery guys are out there taking part in the Talisker Whisky Challenge in the middle of the Atlantic. They have spent the last couple of days in a storm, having a horrendous time so this is our chance to show support to those guys.

“Some people have heard about the race before but what they don’t realise is how tough both mentally and physically these races are.

RSM Gray continued, “These are the toughest races on the planet and the very least we can do is support these lads that have committed and given so much to our Armed Forces. 

"One of the team is our very own Royal Marine Colour Sergeant Lee Spencer; he was a member of the Air Defence Troop at 30 Cdo IX GP for many years. He is still serving but suffered a tragic accident on the M3 motorway whilst helping someone else, which ended with Lee losing one of his legs.”

There were 123 participants that took part in the rowathon, travelling a combined total of 687,000 metres and raising approximately £526 which will go to BLESMA, Endeavour Fund, Help4Heores, Row2Reovery and RM Charities.

The team are currently placed 10th overall and are over the half way mark. They will be met by friends and family in Antigua in early February.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Lynch MC RM, Commanding Officer 30 Cdo IX GP said: “There is a team out there in the middle of the Atlantic, the first all amputee team, rowing in arguably the hardest rowing race in the world. The least we can do is put in a few minutes on the rower today.

“We are sending them a little bit of morale and to increase their banter and hopefully raise some money in the process”