Pembrokeshire man takes on Atlantic Challenge with the support of local fostering agency

Gareth Reynolds from Pembrokeshire is currently taking on the ‘Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge’ across the Atlantic Ocean, on a solo rowing adventure to raise money for the MS Society with support from local fostering agency, Calon Cymru Fostering.

Gareth aged 31 who is a seafarer, has decided to take on the solo trip that will truly test his strength as he battles against the strong winds and high waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Gareth shared: “I enjoy challenging myself in everything I do. But I have never done something to truly test myself, to find my true limits, and discover what I am really capable of.”

Gareth has named the boat after Joshua Gardener, a young fire fighter who died in a tragic accident at the Cleddau waterway last year. They were great friends and had shared lots of adventures together.

Local fostering agency, Calon Cymru Fostering have sponsored Gareth’s quest where he will be departing on December 12th alone for up to 60 days at sea, rowing for an estimated and somewhat impressive 20 hours a day. Gareth mentioned his meals will consist of around 10,000 calories per day to help keep his strength and energy up.

Along with raising awareness for the life changing affects that MS can have on people from a young age, Gareth also wants to help raise awareness and support for those struggling with mental health issues. According to the MS Society, each week in the UK 130 people are diagnosed with MS and Mind Charity reported 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in the UK.

Calon Cymru Fostering supports Gareth’s Row and the cause he is advocating for. As an agency that specialises in supporting and caring for young people who have experienced early trauma, they recognise the vital importance that mental health issues can have on young people. The agency also recognises how they may have been affected by a parent or loved one whose lives have dramatically changed because of MS.

Jane Anderton, a Calon Cymru Foster Carer shared “I have known Gareth for a long time.  He is a very inspirational young man and tackles every task with humour and diligence. His affinity with the ocean is hereditary. His father and grandfather, [in fact] the whole family really are very adventurous, and all spend a great deal of time on and in the water; surfing, sailing, power boating and rowing.”

Jane also shared: “I am so proud to know him and know he will be successful and raise the total amount of money he has pledged to MS.”

We are confident, along with Jane and the whole of Calon Cymru Fostering others will support Gareth in his quest. We wish Gareth ‘Fair winds and following seas’ on his journey and will be watching his journey with pride and admiration.

Gareth stated: “I’m very excited about the challenge and could not thank Calon Cymru enough for their sponsorship.”

If you would like to also donate to Gareth’s row then visit www.atlanticdragonrow.com where you can also keep up to date with his progress. To learn more about foster care and how you could support a young person in your local area visit www.caloncymrufostering.co.uk or call 01267 223112/ 029 2081 1173.