ESS is proudly sponsoring Team Emotive in its mission to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, one of the world’s most difficult ocean rowing races. The team is raising funds for the mental health charity Veterans at Ease.
Made up of three Armed Forces veterans and a veteran ocean rower, Team Emotive will be travelling 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the event which starts in early December. Participants will row two hours on, two hours off for forty days, pushing their physical and mental limits.
The boat will be captained by Jason Watkin, Royal Navy veteran and Area Delivery Manager for ESS’ industry partner, Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc). He will be accompanied by veteran and CEO of Veterans at Ease Garreth Murrell, Royal Artillery veteran Chris Harvey and veteran ocean rower Philip Kite who crosses the ocean for the second time.
The team will have to carry everything required for the trip onboard, including all equipment, food and non-biodegradable waste that is produced. Two support yachts will be on standby if the team gets into difficulties, but these could be up to five days away at times.
The challenge will see the participants experience an average weight loss of 15kg each, despite consuming 60kcal per kg of body weight, per person, per day.
Veterans at Ease is a free to use service, committed to helping veterans, reservists, serving military personnel and their families deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other combat stress-related issues. CEO Garreth Murrell founded the charity after completing a series of therapy sessions and going on to become a practitioner himself.
ESS is industry partner to Landmarc on the MOD Defence Training Estate contract, covering a range of training facilities across the length and breadth of the UK.
Garreth Murrell, CEO of Veterans at Ease, commented:
“A unique benefit of coming to Veterans at Ease is that we employ veteran practitioners. This ensures those who need our help can speak to someone who ‘gets it’ – there’s so much to be said for talking to someone who can relate directly to your personal experiences, and even have a bit of banter with us too.”
Jason Watkin, Skipper and Area Delivery Manager for Landmarc, commented:
“Our passion for mental health support and the Veterans at Ease charity keeps us motivated. As someone who has used the service first-hand, I know just how important fundraising can be. ESS has been amazing in its support for the row and their kind sponsorship will enable the mission to succeed and, more importantly, ensure the ongoing support for Veterans who need help.”
Bob Gray, Managing Director – ESS Defence, Marine and Aerospace added:
“We’re proud to be supporting Team Emotive as they undertake such an impressive physical and mental challenge! Our people interact with thousands of military customers every day, and we employ many veterans across our business, so we understand the impact that poor mental health can have on those who are serving and those who have served. It’s a privilege to be able to support those who may be struggling in whichever way we can. Good luck team Emotive!”
Sponsor the team at https://wonderful.org/fundraisers/NqM9N
