‘We rowed the Atlantic’ – Par-oar-medics celebrate completing challenge

A trio of University of Bradford graduates are celebrating after completing an epic fundraising challenge.

Ken Bordt, Tom Dowdy and Ethan Chapman – known as the Par-oar-medics – reached Antigua – the destination of their 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic.

It took them 48 days, four hours and 17 minutes to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, officially known as the world’s toughest row.

During their challenge, they battled through a cyclone and rowed with dolphins and whales. A giant tuna, which they named Timmy, also became a mascot, living under their boat for two weeks.

In their latest post on social media, confirming they had completed the challenge on Tuesday, January 28, the Par-oar-medics wrote: “We rowed the Atlantic.

“These intrepid ParOARmedics battled through a cyclone at the start depriving them of any sleep. They rowed with pods of dolphins, whales, giant tuna (one who lived under the boat for two weeks and was named Timmy), Stalking was done by the dreaded ‘Marlins’.

“These seriously tough paramedics have had some bizarre and bonkers hallucinations along the way, experienced the awesome beauty of the ocean’s skies and lived as one with the power of the ocean – “it’s all blue blue blue” as they said everyday! Waves as big as 9ft (20ft says Ethan), storm winds up to 35mph and some huge ocean swells all failed to put them off their fabulous freeze-dried nosh.

“Overall, yes they are very wobbly, but remain in good spirits with huge smiles and no loss of humour on dry land.

“A bond like no other between them, showing respect, the power of their comradeship, teamwork and determination.”

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

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

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “Congratulations to Ken, Tom and Ethan on their inspirational achievement.

“We are delighted that they have completed their amazing challenge, and it is just another example of our students, both past and present, making the impossible possible.

“All three of them will help to make a difference to people’s lives through the money they have raised for their chosen charities.”

As of Wednesday 29 January, they have raised a total of more than £21,300 for MacMillan Cancer Support, Stroke Association UK, and the Ambulance Staff Charity. They were sponsored by Unique Fitness (based at the University of Bradford) and Abraxas Catering Equipment.

The group battled against the elements in the last few days of their epic test which included strong winds and rain near Antigua.

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

Go to their justgiving website to make a donation.