Smiths' back Vic's Atlantic row

Smith Partnership are proudly sponsoring ‘retired’ local businessman, Vic Handley, as he takes on a challenging solo journey across the Atlantic Ocean, competing in the ‘World’s Toughest Row’.

This annual event sees competitors’ row 3,000 nautical miles from San Sebastia, La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua. This year 39 teams are taking part, including Vic, who is one of only 6 people to take on this courageous trip solo. They set off on the 12th of December, ready to battle with 9m high waves.

Vic is aiming to complete the race in less than three months, he says, “Age has never been a barrier to me in fulfilling my dreams I’ll be ready for the challenge ahead, but my main aim after all, is to get home safely and raise the £200,000 for my four amazing charities!” 

I’m not bothered about coming first or setting a world record, the challenge is getting safely across the Atlantic, that’s what matters to me. Battling my way through a difficult childhood taught me to be resilient, determined, single minded and ready to meet challenges head on.”

All of the charity money raised by the row will be split equally between Umbrella; a charity which supports disabled children and their families, Derby County Community Trust; an organisation that aims to improve lives and communities through sport, physical activity, health and education. Mind Derbyshire; a charity focused on improving mental health and wellbeing, and finally Safe and Sound who provide a safe place for young people to realise their full potential and to prevent exploitation wherever and however they can.

Pictured: (left to right) James Johnson, Vic Handley, Kevin McGrath, and Russell Davies

Vic is a big advocate for people getting the support that they need for their mental health. Therefore, for every donation made, he will offer each person the chance to send him “A Note of Hope”…a message which he’ll print on environmentally friendly dissolvable paper, read out and then symbolically cast troubles into the Atlantic Ocean to dissolve away.

Smith Partnership’s Managing Partner, Kevin McGrath, said “We are so proud to be a headline sponsor of Vic as he embarks on the ‘World’s Toughest Row’. The work that he is doing for these charities is remarkable, we’re in complete awe of him. He has 6 porthole sponsorship opportunities left available, filling those remaining spaces will help him to achieve his fundraising goal. We really want to see him succeed in his mission and urge Derby businesses to get on board. Even if you aren’t able to sponsor, Vic also has an online giving page, on which you can show your support, every little helps.”

To make a donation using Givewheel, please CLICK HERE

To find out more about the sponsorship opportunities available, please email vicsoloatlanticrow2024@outlook.com