A team of lads who grew up in Rutland and Stamford plan to be the youngest five-person team in history to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

The World's Toughest Row is "one of the most daring and awe inspiring adventures on Earth."

With more people having climbed Mount Everest in a year than have ever rowed across the Atlantic, it is commonly known as the toughest endurance race on the planet.

This extraordinary challenge is a testament to human endurance, determination and the unyielding spirit of exploration. It's a feat that pits individuals and teams against the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean, a formidable expanse of water that covers around 20% of the Earth's surface.

In December 2025, over 40 crews will embark on one of the toughest endurance races in the world, rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean - setting off from La Gomera (Canary Islands) and arriving in Antigua (Caribbean) around six weeks later.

And Team Secondoary Fun will be undertaking this incredible voyage across the Atlantic, where ordinary people become extraordinary adventurers, proving that the human spirit knows no bound.

Oliver Pickwell, Ollie Hamilton, Jamie Kidd, Adam Rowlatt and James Leetch will be undertaking the challenge in December 2025, and have launched their campaign to get the show on the road - or, rather, in the water!

While the boys aren't currently in the local area, all five of them were brought up in Rutland and the surrounding towns, and their families still live locally. Four of the boys went to Stamford School. Because they were all born within the Rutland area, they wanted to ensure this adventure benefited a good cause in Rutland so a third of the donations will be going to Birch Tree Cafe.

Once they have secured funding to put a deposit down on the boat they will use to sail the Atlantic, the home for the boat will be at Rutland Water, where they plan to do most of their training.

The team is no stranger to accomplishing athletic challenges; between them, they have experience as Junior GB sailors, national powerlifters, and ultra-marathon finishers. Remarkably, they are all in their early 20s. Their determination and youthful energy are truly inspiring, promising a compelling journey ahead.

They said: "We'll be rowing 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. There will even be a period of time where we will be closer to satellites in space than we will be to civilisation! We'll face 30-foot waves and the immense isolation of the open sea. Despite these challenges, we are motivated by a greater purpose: to support the incredible work of Mind, Dementia Adventure, and T-21."

The local group are doing this for three charities with missions that support conditions that have impacted their families and friends: Mind, Dementia Adventure, and Birch Tree Cafe.

Mind provides crucial support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, offering resources and a lifeline for those in need.

Dementia Adventure helps people with dementia stay connected to the outdoors, improving their quality of life through meaningful activities and experiences.

T-21 is a local Stamford charity running a cafe that offers job opportunities and activities for young adults with Down's Syndrome, fostering inclusion and empowerment.

The team explained: "We aim to raise £125,000 to support these three vital charities and their life-changing work."

They aim to raise £25,000 from Individuals, as well as £100,000 from Corporate Sponsors.

They continued: "Each member of Secondoary Fun has a personal connection to these causes. Whether it's seeing a loved one struggle with mental health, watching a family member cope with dementia, or witnessing the joy and challenges faced by young adults with Down's Syndrome, these experiences fuel our determination.

"We deeply appreciate your support as we take on this epic journey. Your donations will not only help us achieve our fundraising goal but also provide hope, support, and opportunities for those in need. Whether you can contribute financially or help spread the word about our campaign, your involvement means the world to us.

"Together, we can row across the Atlantic and make a profound impact on the lives of many. Thank you for being part of our mission!"

Find out more and donate to the cause here.