Fishbourne resident Simon Howes has raised over £100,000 for The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust after rowing across the Atlantic single-handedly.
As previously reported by Island Echo, it took Mr. Howes just 72 days to reach St Lucia in the Caribbean back in March after he departed from Gran Canaria in January. Now aged 68, Simon was 67 at the time of his epic challenge.
Undertaking the challenge with no corporate support, a ‘cheque’ has now been presented to Trust founder and chair, Helen Butler MBE at The Royal Victoria Yacht Club after a talk by Simon.
Chair Helen Butler MBE said:
“We are very grateful to all of the very generous supporters who have contributed to help us get nearer to achieving our goal. Having a base where people can visit the charity and learn about red squirrels is expected of us and we fall short at present.
“It is an amazing achievement on Simon’s part, especially breaking the record by 43 days! Thank you Simon.”
The website is still open for donations, just go to https://atlanticrower.com/ and click on the ‘sponsor me’ button.
Amazing – well done!!
Please could you get some rope from Red Funnel or Wightlink to stretch across the road by Shalfleet traffic lights.
Saw two squirrel rushing across the road yesterday – running under cars when parked at the lights. Drivers unaware there were squirrels running under their cars to cross the road.
Also put up signs straight away making people aware it is a red squirrel area.?
Is this April Fools Day?
Why are we collecting for squirrels when we have thousands of homeless humans
Cause squirrels are cool! Homelessness isn’t!
Because the red squirrels are endangered, when most humans are not! Nature is far more important than a humanity, that just breeds itself into problems and b##g#rs everything up.
Our red squirrels need every bit of help they can get. So proud of those that help, great job.. as for the homeless, we are all one month away from losing our homes and it’s about time the government tightened their belts and some work.
£100,000 for squirrels!! What a ludicrous waste of money. What will it be spent on? Some muppets counting squirrels probably or a “consultant”.