Rufus Rows the Atlantic — Solo, for Two Charities

Hi, I'm Rufus Lewis. On 12 December 2026 I'll row 3,000 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic in the World's Toughest Row — from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua. Around 16 hours a day at the oars, 40–60 days at sea, and fewer people have rowed an ocean than have climbed Everest.

I'm raising £150,000, split equally between two charities that change lives — and every donation on this page is divided 50/50 between them.

Caudwell Youth gives young people the mentor and support system they've never had. Through volunteer-led mentoring, it helps young people aged 11 to 24 at risk of crime, exploitation, and poor mental health to turn their lives around. £15 funds a mentoring session; £3,000 funds a full 18-month programme.

Cancer Relief Gibraltar carried my own family. In early 2025, while I was preparing for this race, my mum was diagnosed with cancer. After her treatment she was encouraged to visit the Cancer Relief Centre, and through the care, support and encouragement she received there, she was given a new lease of life — and it wasn't just my mum they supported, but my dad and our whole family too. Cancer Relief has cared for the Gibraltar community since 1983, and every one of their services is free. Without them, we would be in a very different place today.

A note on where your money goes: this page is purely for the charities. None of it pays for the boat, the equipment, the food or the entry fee — campaign costs are covered separately through sponsorship. When the row is finished I'm selling the boat, and those proceeds go to the same two charities.

If you're a UK taxpayer, please tick Gift Aid — it adds 25% at no cost to you.

Follow the journey at rufusrows.com and @rufus.rows. Every donation, whatever the size, is a reason to keep pulling on the oars at 3am.

Rufus