Andrew Osborne, chairman of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, is currently rowing across the Atlantic in aid of a charity set up in memory of his daughter Amy who died unexpectedly five years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition.
In a boat called "In Full Cry", the former master and huntsman of the Cottesmore Hunt set off from Gran Canaria on Sunday, 8th January, with approximately 3,000 miles ahead of him before he reaches Antigua. Andrew, who retired from hunting hounds in 2019, faces sleep deprivation and exhaustion as well as whatever the weather conditions throw at him, during this daunting challenge which is expected to take around three months to complete.
Five years ago, at the age of 25, Amy died in her sleep, becoming one of the 12 young people who die each week in the UK from this cause. Amy's memorial fund, set up by Andrew's family at the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), has so far raised enough money to pay for over 500 children and young adults to be screened as well as contributing funds towards research and raising awareness to help save lives.
When planning the epic adventure in memory of his daughter, Andrew, said: "I will be rowing solo and unsupported over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from the Canaries to the Caribbean which will take around 90 days to complete. To cross the Atlantic - which is five miles deep at its deepest - in my 20-foot rowing boat, I will have to row over 1.5 million oar strokes and eat over 5,000 calories a day whilst still losing over 20% of my body weight."
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "This is an extraordinary challenge in aid of an incredible charity, and we wish Andrew the very best of luck throughout his adventure. We are tracking Andrew's progress across the Atlantic with interest whilst looking forward to seeing him safely back on shore and we hope those who are able to will support his endeavours by donating through his fundraising page."
To sponsor Andrew and to track his progress across the Atlantic, please visit www.rowforamy.com