A sailor from HMS Sultan has shown he has a big heart and plenty of strength by taking on a massive row-a-thon challenge in order to help the homeless out this Christmas.
After hearing of the recent death of a homeless man, Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Adam “Griff” Griffiths, decided that he would row a whopping 170 miles, the equivalent to the distance from HMS Sultan, Gosport, to his home in Uttoxeter in order to raise money for The Salvation Army (SA) and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
Despite only deciding to take on the row-a-thon just days before setting off, Adam set himself a target of just 9 days to complete the task.
The Royal Navy work hard to ensure that at all times its personnel remain fit to fight and with Adam also a fitness enthusiast, he has shown he has all the grit and determination required to succeed.
Rowing early mornings and evenings in his spare time he successfully travelled an average of 19 miles a day to complete the challenge.
Adam said: “I hadn’t planned on doing the row, but I heard about someone homeless who had frozen to death in Birmingham and it really saddened me.
“I thought there must be something I can do to help other vulnerable people; that was on the Tuesday, and by the Saturday I’d started fundraising by rowing the distance home.”
“I’ve chosen to support the Salvation Army, as they are really well known for their work with the homeless and lonely, especially at Christmas.
“I’m also supporting the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity as they do lots of excellent work in support of Naval personnel, their families and veterans.”
“I’m fully aware I can’t change the World on my own, but with everyone’s help and donations we can certainly make a difference,”
Adam completed the challenge within Sultan’s Sports and Recreation Centre where he has been cheered on by colleagues and the centre’s Physical Training Instructors(PTI).
Leading PTI James Johnson said: “I think it’s an incredible endurance achievement. 170 miles is a long way in a car let alone on a rower. I think it’s a very impressive feat and he’s done the Naval Service proud.”
Adam joined the Royal Navy in February last year. After completing his initial training at HMS Raleigh he enjoyed further success in his technical training at HMS Sultan before joining his first Warship HMS Somerset.
Having shown a natural aptitude within his early engineering training, Adam was identified for a fast track engineering scheme which has seen him recently return to HMS Sultan for further training.
Adam will be fundraising until 15th January, to show your support please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamGriffiths84
