Par-oar-medics near end of epic Atlantic challenge

An intrepid team of University of Bradford graduates are tackling the last leg of an epic fundraising challenge.

Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy and Ethan Chapman – known as the Par-oar-medics – now have less than 500 miles to go on the 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic.

The trio have been tackling the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, officially known as the world’s toughest row, to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support, Stroke Association UK, and the Ambulance Staff Charity. They are being sponsored by Unique Fitness (based at the University of Bradford) and Abraxas Catering Equipment.

They have been keeping everyone updated with their progress during the challenge with videos and photos on social media. These have included some of the food they have eaten during the challenge. 

In their latest post on social media, dated Wednesday 22 January, the Par-oar-medics wrote: “Milestone 500nm to go. The ParaOarmedics are absolutely flying.”

The group set off on their epic adventure to brave the elements last month from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and will end their adventure in Antigua.

The trio all graduated with a BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science from the University of Bradford in July 2023.

They previously took part in a challenge during lockdown in which they repeatedly climbed flights of steps while carrying paramedic equipment on their backs.

To make a donation, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paraoarmedicschallenge?