Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244

Join
Home News and campaigns News 2023

Epic row across the At...

Epic row across the Atlantic in tribute of a friend Main Image

Epic row across the Atlantic in tribute of a friend

Thu 22 Jun 2023

How far can you go to support a friend?

#HeadwayHero Giles takes it to the next level - He sets off today at 11.30am local time on an epic row from Newfoundland to Ireland in tribute to his friend who sustained a brain injury, and there's a LONG way to go.

Track him here and cheer him on through his fundraising page!

Giles Johnson, 60, from Drayton, Somerset, sets off on a journey of a lifetime he's dubbed 'an awfully big row' in tribute to a friend who sustained a life-changing brain injury.

The epic challenge will see him row from Newfoundland, Canada, to Roundstone, Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, travelling more than 1700 nautical miles.

Giles, a psychotherapist, said: "I have always been interested in adventure and have previously taken part in several adventurous challenges.

We are planning a 30-35 day crossing dependent upon sea and weather conditions. Hopefully, the time of year will allow for a relatively calm and warm crossing."

Giles said: 

I'm thankful for the support Headway has given to my friend William. This row is in support of both him and Headway. We are self-funding the expedition with funds split between the charities.

William's wife, Rosie, said Headway was there to help in their time of need, she said:

“After Will's fall, I felt so incapacitated and didn’t feel able to undertake or complete any tasks”

“I had copious forms to fill in and was barely able to spell my own name at the time. Emma sat with me several times as we worked through everything. She was a huge comfort. I am thankful for all the ways that Headway helps people who, like me, are suddenly catapulted into such an unfamiliar world."

Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising at Headway, added: “Giles and Matthew are such an inspiring duo.

Taking on this huge challenge in aid of some wonderful charities including Headway. This will be mentally and physically challenging and we’re incredibly grateful to them for choosing to support us. We rely on donations to be able to support brain injury survivors and their families.

I’m excited to follow Giles and Matthew as they take on the row across to Ireland and would encourage anyone who is inspired by them to get involved either by supporting their fundraising efforts through donating or by getting in touch to do their own fundraising for Headway, we’d love to have you on board!”

To join in and support this fundraiser, click here.

Back

Share this page

Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). Headway is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 2346893.

© Copyright Headway 2025  -  Site designed and developed by MEDIAmaker