Jamie is the one culpable for having this idea in the first place. Hard to pin point when exactly the seed was sown but he firmly refutes accusations of a mid life crisis. Under cross examination he’d probably say that footage of ocean crossings in times gone by created a sense of wonder and curiosity, and the thinking that if he was lucky enough to be in a position to give something like this a go, which takes a number of stars to be aligned, then he probably should. 

His background contains a total absence of anything sea based aside from a few ferry crossings. Some dabbling in endurance events with mixed/poor results but this will be a whole new level. The mental task that this challenge presents is something he finds fascinating but reserves the right to totally change that view post event.

Absolutely none of this would be possible without an amazingly supportive and lovely wife Lisa and three great kids - Ciara, Dan and Johnny - certainly not something he takes for granted. Jamie works at Caxton Europe LLP whose understanding must also be thanked.

He has chosen to focus on two charities that are very close to him: After his youngest child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes recently, Breakthrough for T1D is an obvious choice - they do great work in pursuing a cure and easier ways to manage this condition. The second is The London Irish Society that does admirable work across London in supporting the lonely, the homeless or those simply going through tough times.

Dominic is typical of the type. Recently turned 50, loves sport but also the wrong food and a drink or two, and unable to exercise self-restraint or a normal training regime without committing to a ridiculous challenge. And rowing the Atlantic is intended to be the challenge to end all challenges. After that, it'll be long walks and long afternoons in the pub.

Surprisingly, Dominic has a lovely wife (Marie-Louise) and three children, now fiercely independent and wonderful teenagers. Home life includes dogs, chickens, a tortoise and a mother-in-law, who is a saviour with the children and animals. His giant wider family: parents, siblings, in-laws, nephews and nieces are all inspirational (but don’t tell them) particularly nephew Henry who has Type 1 diabetes. He and Godson Johnny (Jamie's youngest) are the reason why we are rowing for Breakthrough T1D UK.

Dominic is also a lawyer. He is a Partner within Payne Hicks Beach, and works in the London office they have occupied for over 350 years. Dominic is a privacy and media law specialist, which means he helps out lots of interesting people and companies, but can't talk about it, even when stuck on a boat for 40 days.

Charlie had an initial unenviable challenge of blending into a team where the other the other three were all at school together. The fact this was done so seamlessly is reflective of his easy going nature (unless you criticise his knot tying or anchor pulling) and all round bonhomie. As one of the UK’s leading gastroenterologist at the Royal Free Hospital and Cleveland Clinic London,  Charlie is the doctor on board and go to man on all things gut related which I'm sure he’s delighted about.

He also brings a wealth of experience in endurance events. Numerous Ironmen, performing average to poorly, aquathlons where he has excelled - donning the GB vest, and then some long cycles where again he has been extremely average. His excellent swimming will hopefully be of absolutely no use on this venture.

Charlie has three wonderful kids, James, Sam and Charlotte who are somewhat confused by their father’s desire to row the Atlantic, but nevertheless supportive (or at least coming round to the idea!)

Although Charlie is doing the row after being worn down by Jamie over many months, he is looking forward to to the mental and physical challenge, in working in a team, and having the opportunity to have the time and space to learn more about himself and his crew members as they strive to a common goal. He is raising money for VeloSano, a global fundraising movement to end cancer, connecting the cancer community with Cleveland Clinic’s expanding global impact in research, global impact in research, innovation and care.

Francis was busy minding his own business up until quite recently, when the phone rang from his cousin and Aardvark crew member, Dominic with a wee proposition… Instantly gripped by the challenge, he has jumped into the large shoes of Nick, whose work related withdrawal is a big loss.

Francis is an Irishman, born and bred in Wicklow, and living in London for the past 15 years. He co-runs a central London architecture practice called HF Studio with his business partner Henry—who has been extremely supportive, or possibly just relieved to be rid of him for a few weeks. Francis likes to give off a vague impression of sporting prowess. Unfortunately, the closer you look the vaguer it gets, save for a few good days playing rugby with DUFC back in Dublin and a love for all things water based - mostly bobbing, which he hopes will help.

Despite reiterating his zero hours of rowing experience, or checking whether he would actually fit in the boat (long person), the crew have given him an epic welcome and fast tracked him into the training programme. He is incredibly proud to row alongside his cousin and represent his family back in Ireland, who are equal parts excited and bewildered. He also likes to wear his Leinster hat. 

As a military man, one might assume that Nick is the practical one. But soldiering experiences from the jungles of Borneo or more arid climes don’t necessarily transfer to the skills required on a small boat in the open ocean. Managing sleep deprivation, eating rations, navigating (on land!), and drawing on mental and physical reserves may have once been more familiar territory, but whilst daydreaming of bygone times at the sharper end of things, the reality is that at fifty Nick is more likely to be fighting a desk in the front line of an open plan office.

Surprisingly perhaps, this is officially Nick’s first endurance event. And whilst he loves being on or in the water he had never previously touched an oar and always kept the coast well within sight. Needless to say he will be well outside of his comfort zone in the middle of the Atlantic; and therein lies the appeal of taking on this huge challenge.

As he has done throughout his career serving abroad or at home, Nick is hugely reliant on the remarkable patience and support from the strong women around him. Nick’s wife, Suzy, and their three daughters may be somewhat bemused about the whole endeavour but are without question a source of encouragement and inspiration.

After over 25 years in the Army and with the end of his military career within sight, Nick felt it was about time that he gave a bit back. In addition to the team’s other charities he will be rowing in support of the Army Benevolent Fund and its ceaseless work helping those in real need across soldiers, veterans, and their families.