Alan's Atlantic Journey

Adventure. Challenge. Inspire. Motivate. Live. This words couldn’t describe one of our brilliant fundraisers any better. Last year Alan Lau set himself the challenge of rowing across the Atlantic solo within 90 days and used his challenge to fundraise for Children on the Edge.

Alan smashed his target and completed his row in only 55 days while also raising £2000 for Children on the Edge. We were able to interview Alan now back on dry land and fully rested. Here’s what he had to say. 

What inspired you to row across the atlantic?

I first came across the idea whilst sitting at work one winter day, and on the news there was a small article about a woman who was about to reach the Caribbean. I said to myself at that moment what a great challenge that would be. From then on, the idea grew like a seed in my mind, and then I started living and breathing the project. That was back in 2008! 

Did you any have rowing experience before your trip?

Before 2008 I had no rowing experience. In 2010, I briefly joined the Southampton Amateur Rowing Club, and gained a little experience.

Do you have a favourite moment from your row?

This is a very difficult one. But I think the one that really stands out for me are the moments spent star gazing. Seeing the stars out there was truly amazing. But at the same time, it is a little frustrating, it just makes me want to travel the stars. I saw a shooting star as well!

How did you hear about Children on the Edge and what inspired you to fundraise for us?

To be honest, at the beginning, I was looking to support an animal charity, but then through my own experiences and opportunities in life, I started seeing how many children often do not get a good start to life, let alone achieving personal dreams. That’s when I started looking to support a children’s charity. 

I came across COTE by chance on the JustGiving site, but when I looked into the site to understand a bit more about the charity, I noticed how small COTE is. I always prefer smaller charities, so naturally COTE appealed very much. I also popped down to the office in Chichester for a visit, and met up with the team, and also Monty. 

What did you do to  fundraise?

Since the project was self funded, I could not spend as much time as I wanted on fund raising activities. The fund raising channels were mainly just through word by mouth, people seeing the boat and the link, and articles in the local press.

Do you have any  other challenges you would like to do in the future?

I am planning the Triple7Quest for 2018. It is quite a way away since I need to learn to love running first. Let alone 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 continents. But at the same time, I am also planning on another adventure. Not quite as grand as the Atlantic Row, but something that would be fun, and a LOT less costly financially! I have several ideas in mind, one is motorbiking around Asia, and the other is walking the Silk Road, which has been another of my childhood fantasies. Maybe I will end up doing both.

We can’t thank Alan enough for his amazing support and wish him the best of luck for his next challenge! If you would like to sponsor Alan please visit https://www.justgiving.com/curryfishball-cote. 

If you have any ideas about your own fundraising, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.