Shropshire Star

Shropshire dairy farmer to complete 2,077 mile Amazon charity row

A dairy farmer is taking time out from his day job to take part in an epic challenge that will see him attempt to row the entire length of one of the world's longest rivers.

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Simon Furnival, 45, from Norton-in-Hales, near Market Drayton, will attempt to row the entire 2,077 mile navigable length of the Amazon River in South America to support disabled children.

The father-of-three, who will be taking on the challenge along with four friends, flew out yesterday and hopes to complete the challenge between November 1 and 30.

Mr Furnival said that he will be driven on by the thought that his back-breaking efforts will be raising money for Caudwell Children, the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

"My wife and I also own a children's day nursery so we've seen first-hand how this fantastic charity has changed the lives of disabled children and their families," he said.

"They provide equipment, treatment and therapies that families can't access through statutory measures, so Caudwell Children are really filling a gap in provision."

The former Grove School pupil, in Market Drayton, will have to withstand temperatures in excess of 29C (84.2F), adapt to humidity of between 90 to 99 per cent, and avoid flesh eating piranha fish if they are to succeed.

The team face a series of navigational challenges as they row throughout the day and night. Their boat, named The Bishop, measures less than 28 feet and incorporates sleeping spaces at either end.

They are all members of the Shropshire Venture Rowing Club, and if they complete the challenge they will become only the second team in history to row the entire length of the river unsupported.

Mr Furnival said his wife, Jennie, is a little anxious ahead of the challenge.

"She's incredibly supportive but she's aware of the many hazards," he said.

"Surprisingly, the greatest threat is the dangerous levels of traffic on the waters. Allied to that are illegal loggers and various groups of pirates, so it's not going to be all plain sailing."

Trudi Beswick, chief executive of Caudwell Children, said: "We've had people jumping out of planes at 10,000ft, swimming with sharks and trekking across deserts to raise funds for Caudwell Children. But I have to say this challenge is almost beyond belief.

"The heat, animals, insects and the large boats that also travel on the river makes the challenge fraught with difficulty. But Simon and the team are, not unsurprisingly, well prepared for the challenge."

People can donate money by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/SimonFurnival-Amazon-Row/

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