A student from Bradford Grammar School is cheering on her father as he embarks on a 3,000-mile charity ocean rowing challenge. Matthew Pitchforth, based in Halifax and managing seven McDonald’s locations throughout Yorkshire, is preparing to row across the Atlantic Ocean this December to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. His daughter Olivia, who […]
A student from Bradford Grammar School is cheering on her father as he embarks on a 3,000-mile charity ocean rowing challenge.
Matthew Pitchforth, based in Halifax and managing seven McDonald’s locations throughout Yorkshire, is preparing to row across the Atlantic Ocean this December to fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.
His daughter Olivia, who is in Year 7 at Bradford Grammar School, is reportedly feeling proud but also “counting down the days until her dad returns safely.”
Starting on December 7, Mr. Pitchforth along with teammates Nick Perks, Richard Hornsey, and Dean Fitzmaurice will kick off their voyage from the Canary Islands to Antigua, which is anticipated to span about 35 days.
The endeavor, dubbed the World’s Toughest Row, is expected to involve sleep deprivation, harsh weather conditions, and “the physical strain of rowing over 30,000 strokes daily.”
Olivia, age 12, remarked: “I’m incredibly proud of his mission, though I feel somewhat anxious.
“It’s difficult not to feel nervous when considering the perils he might encounter – like sharks or enormous waves.
“I’ll deeply miss him, particularly during Christmas when he will be so far away.
“Still, I understand it’s for an important cause, and he aims to assist families facing difficult times.”
Mr. Pitchforth and his crew, collectively called Team Graft, aspire to gather £1 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, which aids families with hospitalized children.
Mr. Pitchforth expressed: “Being away from my family, especially during Christmas, is challenging, but the chance to assist families enduring unimaginable hardships makes every moment apart worthwhile.
“This undertaking is more than merely completing the row – it’s about creating a meaningful impact for those in need.”
With the expertise of ocean rowing coach and world record-holder Duncan Roy, Mr. Pitchforth and his team have been training for their challenge.
Olivia, along with her younger brother William, has been assisting their father in preparing by organizing food supplies, which included baking nutritious chocolate brownies and toffee flapjacks.
Olivia has also put together a special playlist to help keep Team Graft energized during their journey.
Olivia’s mother, Stephanie, noted: “There’s an emotional aspect to this for all of us, especially for the kids, but we’re with him every step of the way, providing support.”
To contribute to Team Graft, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/worlds-toughest-row-rmhcuk
