The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a 3000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. Teams depart from San Sebastion in La Gomera, Canary Islands and finish at Nelsons Dockyard, English Harbour in Antiga & Barbuda. Teams are able to compete in different classes such as fours, pairs and individuals, they must be completely self sufficient for the duration of the race. 

I late 2017 I became aware through a random instagram post of the Row2recovery entry to this event. What caught my attention was that I knew or knew of both of the team members, Jon Armstrong and Jordan Beecher. I met Jon when he was undertaking P Coy (part of the selection for British Airborne forces) and I was a member of the Directing Staff. Jordan and I served at the same unit and although didn't know each other personally, I recognised him from passing each other during the working day. Jordan lost his left leg below the knee as a result of an IED in Afghanistan in 2012, hence Team Trident.

I made the decision that Sin Eaters Guild would become a sponsor for Team Trident if possible. I had been looking for some time for the best way to give back to the community I come from ever since I founded Sin Eaters Guild and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. 

We were accepted as a sponsor and sent Jon and Jordan some gear to wear along with a custom flag to fly. On one side it featured the Hanged Man and on the other the logos of their chosen charities, BLESMA - The Limbless Veterans, Dreamflight and The Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Once the race was underway the lads split the rowing duties into two hour duties over each 24hr period, it was especially daunting during the night and they had to deal with multiple capsizes.

I was always proud to see our logo on the boat (even if there's naked paratroopers balls hanging over it!) along with the other great sponsors, some of whom I count as roll models for how to run a veteran owned business. 

Over the Christmas period while most people were spending time with their families, Jon and Jordan were away from home enduring hardship to benefit people they will likely never meet. Something that all veterans will have experienced in some form or another. There is nothing self righteous about that statement, it's fact. The work is happening 24hrs a day 365 days a year, those that choose to shoulder that burden should be proud, but humble and not expect thanks. During this period a close contest developed between Team Trident and rival team The Oardinary Boys and the lads lost and regained the lead. It was touch and go to the very end.

At the finish there was no contest and Jon and Jordan pulled away to win the Pairs Class and in doing so set a New World Record, beating the previous record by three days! 

I'm immensely proud of both of them and to have been involved with this huge feat.

Sin Eaters Guild is also honoured to now have these two men apart as Brand Ambassadors. I know this isn't the last mad scheme they have in mind and I look forward to supporting in the future.

Feel free to visit their donation page:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=row2recovery&isTeam=true