FOUR friends from Redditch and Beoley, have signed up to row across the Atlantic Ocean in December 2025 to raise cash for three charities.
Team DeadLegz was formed by Rob Oliver in memory of his late father, a musician whose nickname was ‘DeadLegz’ because he hardly ever moved on stage.
DeadLegz has been undertaking challenges and raising funds for charity since 2015, when Rob led a team to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours, raising £4,000 for charity.
In 2018, several members of DeadLegz cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats in 10 days, raising £15,000 for good causes.
Now, DeadLegz is preparing for its toughest challenge yet – a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Starting this December, Skipper Rob Oliver, along with fellow newfound rowers Kevin Joynes, Matt Humphries and Tom Hayward, will take on the 3,000-mile race – known as ‘The World’s Toughest Row’ – from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
They expect to be at sea for around 45 to 50 days, including over Christmas and new year.
During that time, they will be rowing in pairs for two hour intervals around the clock for the duration of the race.
DeadLegz needs to raise around £120,000 in order to take part in the race.
Those funds will be used towards the race entrance fees, training courses and buying essential safety and other equipment for the race.
Along with specific training related to the row and being at sea, they have been having personal training at both Valhalla Gym in Redditch and Viking Performance in Tardebigge.
The team are raising money for the Frank Bruno Foundation, Redditch Self Defence and Youth Engagement and Arrive Alive.
All of the equipment they purchase for the row will be sold after the race – including the boat itself – with the proceeds being donated to the three charities.
The team is now looking for sponsors to get ‘on-board’ and support them on their journey.
Skipper Rob said: “Doing this row gives us the opportunity to support three fabulous charities that are making a difference in the community.
“We need sponsors to make this happen.”
They can tailor a sponsorship package to suit any budget and a variety of support would be welcome – from advertising on the boat, sponsorship, to purchasing some of the equipment they will need.
Anyone wanting to donate to the DeadLegz campaign or companies wanting to sponsor the team should email: [email protected] or visit deadlegz.co.uk/to get in touch.
