Oceans Elite: Rowing the Atlantic to raise awareness on homeless veterans
Two veterans embark on an epic rowing journey across the Atlantic to raise awareness for the need for homeless veterans assistance.
This December, Chris Thrall and Louie Greenhalgh will set off on an extraordinary adventure: rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Departing from Gran Canaria and rowing over 3,000 miles to Barbados, this two-man crew will undertake one of the ultimate tests of human endurance—all in the name of raising awareness and funds for veterans mental health and homeless veterans assistance.
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Chris Thrall, a former Royal Marines Commando from Plymouth, and Louie Greenhalgh, a fellow veteran from Bolton, are the Oceans Elite duo preparing to row their 28-foot boat, Isabel, without support. Their mission is deeply personal and profoundly inspiring. They aim to spotlight the struggles of veterans facing PTSD and mental health challenges while raising funds for Alabaré Homes for Veterans and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity supporting bereaved service children.
This endeavour isn’t about racing—it’s about resilience. For Chris and Louie, the Atlantic crossing symbolises the struggles that veterans endure daily: pushing through pain, fatigue, and adversity.
Chris Thrall: A Life Defined by Adventure
Chris, 55, has faced his share of challenges, including PTSD and homelessness. A motivational speaker and mindset coach, Chris is no stranger to pushing limits. His adventurous spirit has led him to explore all seven continents, complete ultra-endurance challenges like a quadruple Ironman, and even run the length of Britain while completing an ultra-marathon each day.
For Chris, this Oceans Elite rowing expedition is a homage to legendary adventurers like Shackleton and Heyerdahl. His vision? To keep the spirit of adventure alive and inspire younger generations. “In a world of ever-increasing risk avoidance and toxic screen time, let’s inspire the younger generation with the power of resilience,” he says.
Louie Greenhalgh: Overcoming the Odds
Louie, 52, brings his own remarkable story to the boat. A seasoned adventurer, he’s scaled Mount Everest and the Andes, cycled across Asia and Australia, and even endured an extreme brain injury in 2021. Despite his injury, Louie has continued to push boundaries, recently completing a skiing expedition in the Arctic Circle.
Together, Chris and Louie embody the enduring spirit of veterans who rise above life’s challenges. Their efforts also seek to remove the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues and to raise awareness on homeless veterans assistance.
The Atlantic: A Sea of Challenges
The journey won’t be easy. The duo faces potential dangers such as shark encounters, exhaustion, injury, and even 40-foot waves. Surviving on dehydrated food and desalinated water, they’ll row in shifts, sleeping in a cramped cabin. The voyage is expected to take 40–50 days, making it a test of both physical and mental grit.
Interestingly, fewer people have rowed the Atlantic than have climbed Mount Everest—a testament to the sheer difficulty of this undertaking.
Supporting the Cause
Chris and Louie’s journey is entirely self-funded, and their goal is to shine a light on the silent crisis of veteran mental health. Their determination to raise funds for Alabaré and Scotty’s Little Soldiers highlights their commitment to giving back to communities that support veterans and their families.
You can follow their incredible journey on social media @oceanseliterow or contribute to their GoFundMe campaign for Oceans Elite to support these vital causes.
You can also follow their row live by downloading the YB Races app and following the Mission Atlantic race.
As Chris and Louie prepare to conquer the Atlantic, they remind us of the power of determination, teamwork and the importance of addressing veteran mental health. Their adventure is more than a row across the ocean—it’s a message of hope and resilience for everyone facing life’s challenges.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/oceanseliterow
https://www.facebook.com/oceanseliterow/
https://www.instagram.com/oceanseliterow
Oceans Elite Go Fund Me PageAfter 50 days at sea, the boys landed ahead of schedule in Barbados on Monday 27th January, exhausted but exhilarated from their journey, including a capsize at one point and poor weather conditions during the last leg.
Media Interviews: We can arrange this by contacting r.houston@alabare.co.uk
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