The World Row Challenge will involve rowing 20,000 miles
around the world, and is expected to take approximately a year to complete. Joe will join the final leg of the epic voyage, covering the 7,000 mile, four month-long stretch from South Africa to Australia.
His selection from around 50 other international applicants is all the more remarkable because Joe, a member of Newcastle University Boat Club, only learned to row when he joined the University three years ago after graduating from Christ’s Hospital.
Joe said: 'Most people think I must be mad to attempt this, but it is just such an amazing opportunity to do something so completely different. My first experience of rowing was when I was on a D of E Gold expedition, supervised by my Tutor of the time Clive Kemp. Whilst walking in the Austrian mountains we saw the GB team training for the World Championships in 2002. I guess that is when it all started.’
The first leg of the round-the-world row, from Australia to South America, will begin in October 2007. The 8,000 mile trip is expected to take around five months, while the 5,000 mile second leg, between South America and South Africa is set to take three months. Joe will join the final stage of the challenge in South Africa in June 2008, arriving in Australia in October 2008 if all goes according to plan.
In the meantime, he is facing a more immediate challenge: he has to raise £16,000 to cover the cost of taking part in the World Row Challenge. 'I'm aiming to raise the first £5,000 by Christmas', said Joe. 'It's hard work, but I've had a great response so far in terms of raising the profile of what I'm aiming to do. What I need now is to be able to turn all the good will into serious financial commitment!' Joe is due to graduate in July 2007, but hopes to stay in the North East to complete his training. He said: 'I've loved rowing on the Tyne, and I feel really settled here'.
