[T]wo men originally hailing from Cumbria are attempting to break a world record and raise money for a charity that funds lifesaving heart surgery for infants.
32-year-old Kieran Sweeney and 21-year-old Ashley Parry will be boarding their custom-made pedal boat, “Oar-Killa” to race from Gran Canaria to Barbados whilst aiming to set a New Fastest Human Powered World Record.
The pair is aiming to break current records when they embark on the 3rd of February 2018. The fastest recorded crossing in a human powered craft current stands at 30 days so the pair aims to complete their feat in less time.
They plan to accomplish this with nothing but their willpower, training and the ingenuity of their boat. Built by SweeneyPro, it is the most sophisticated pedal boat in the world to date. It is named “Oar-Killa” and has been created to prove the efficiency of man powered boats. Both men are originally from Cumbria but Kieran now lives in Cardiff where he runs SweeneyPro.
The challenge was set many years ago in memory of a friend’s daughter and their fundraising efforts are going to be donated to the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF), a charity that funds the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital –one of only two children’s heart transplant units in the UK
Kieran Sweeney is passionate about the charity and has pledged to continue fundraising for CHUF in all future endeavours. Commenting on the passionate efforts and the unique challenge, Chris Gray, Chief Executive at the Children’s Heart Unit Fund, “We’re delighted that Kieran has chosen our charity for his excellent challenge. The idea of a human powered pedal boat racing across the Atlantic Ocean is an endearing and inspirational challenge. We wish Kieran and Ashley all our luck as well as a safe journey!”
The pair will embark on the 3rd of February 2018. All fundraising can be directed to Virginmoneygiving/Sweeneypro and anyone seeking to learn more can visit: www.sweeneypro.com
