Rower to attempt world record
Former Potton man's bid to row across the Indian Ocean
A rower is planning on leaving everything behind to become the fastest person to tackle the high waters of the Indian Ocean.
Simon Prior, 28, is hoping to be only the third person to complete the 5,500km (3,417 miles) rowing race on his own, which starts in Western Australia and finishes in Mauritius next April.
In preparation for the challenge, Simon is planning to travel around schools in Beds and Herts holding rowing competitions in a bid to get children interested in the sport, with the first being held this week at Burgoyne Middle School in Potton.
Simon who has also tackled ultra marathons and rock climbing, said: "Rowing is a great sport to get into and I really want to try and catch people at a young age so hopefully we might have a new generation of rowers for the 2012 Olympics."
The financial analyst will be battling the high seas to raise money for the Willow Foundation, which offers days out for terminally ill young people and their families, after his best friend's mum died of cancer.
Simon, formerly of Catherines Close, Potton, added: "I thought it would be a good charity to raise money for because my mate's mum died of cancer and they really made her last days a lot better."
The adventurous sporting enthusiast, who is hoping to raise 25,000 for the charity, has raised around 5,000 already and plans to keep on fundraising by rowing outside supermarkets and fetes throughout the summer with a bucket by his side.
If you would like to sponsor Simon log on to www.justgiving.com/simonprior1
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Biggleswade
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
