FOUR young rowers from Hampshire are taking on an epic rowing and cycling challenge that will see them cover nearly 300 miles.
Among the team taking on the Arch2Arc challenge is Edward Mortimer, from Martyr Worthy.
He was inspired by Enduroman’s Arch2Arc triathlon, one of the toughest triathlons in the world with only 47 people successfully completing the challenge.
Arch2Arc starts at the Marble Arch in London and crosses the Channel to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
As a keen rower, Edward, 18, adapted the challenge to row rather than swim the Channel and posed the idea to his fellow Radley College team who were quick to get on board.
The teenagers are hoping to raise a total of £20,000 for two charities - the Batten Disease Family Association and the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
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On Monday, July 18, the four Year 13 pupils - Edward, Max Hartwright, Hamish Rimmer and March Turnbull - were due to start with an 87-mile cycle from Marble Arch in London.
But due to wind and weather warning the Radley schoolboys had to start with the row - rowing nearly 30 miles across the Channel.
Edward said: “We’ve all been quite chilled since we finished school in June and we’re all pretty fit from the rowing season.
“But the government and heat warnings to stay inside are definitely a worry. Especially, since we’ll be out there for hours and prone to blisters."
The first day proved far more difficult than expected with the boys heading home to get some rest before they begin on the bikes
On Tuesday, July 19, the rowers will be cycling from London to Dover before the final 181-mile stint, cycling from Calais to Paris to finish at the Arc de Triomphe on Thursday, July 21.
The students are in peak fitness following the Henley Royal Regatta, six days of rowing races that ended on July 3, where the team reached the finals.
Edward added: “It’s definitely an exciting test and a challenge for two great charities. Both causes are pretty close to our mates at school.”
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The money raised will be split equally for the Batten Disease Family Association and Ruth Strauss Foundation. Edward’s best friend’s sister is currently suffering from the terminal neurodegenerative illness, Batten disease.
The RFS was founded by Sir Andrew Strauss, an old boy from St Edward’s school, in memory of his wife who died of incurable lung cancer. The charity supports families facing a death of parent and research into non-smoking lung cancers.
So far the Hampshire school boys have raised more than £10,000. To donate go to justgiving.com/team/Arch2Arc22.
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