The Oardinary Crew take on the Atlantic for East Anglian Air Ambulance

Although they now live in London, Jasper and Jamie are originally from Suffolk and Norfolk, two of the core counties covered by our 24/7 lifesaving service. For Jasper, the connection goes even deeper. In August 2023, his sister Bubby, an equestrian, was seriously injured while training near Newmarket. Our Anglia Two Cambridge crew were tasked to bring advanced skills, equipment and medicine to her side in the fastest time possible, while she lay injured in the field. Bubby has since made a remarkable recovery, and earlier this year she showed her support for our Cambridge Air Base Appeal.

The World’s Toughest Row will see the crew undertake an unsupported crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean, lasting approximately 40 days at sea over the Christmas and New Year period. The crew will spend weeks aboard a small ocean rowing boat, battling sleep deprivation, extreme weather, physical exhaustion and the relentless demands of life in the open ocean.

None of the Oardinary Crew have previous rowing experience, and they have spent many months training. Their carbon fibre ocean rowing boat, a Rannoch RX45, will carry them through every wave and storm. They will be completely self-sufficient, with solar panels charging two batteries that power all their essential equipment. Along the way, they will face whatever the weather brings, as well as sleep deprivation, salt sores and extreme physical strain. Each team will take more than 1.5 million oar strokes over the course of the race, and the Oardinary Crew are aiming to reach Antigua in around 40 days – depending on what the Atlantic Ocean sends their way.

Jasper Upton said: “The East Anglian Air Ambulance means more to my family than words can express. Not only were they instrumental in helping my sister, Bubby, after her life-changing accident, but in 2014 they also helped save my mum’s life.

“Life can change in an instant, and on two occasions East Anglian Air Ambulance were there when my family needed them most. Seeing first-hand the speed, skill, care and support they bring in the darkest of moments is something I’ll never forget.

“Both my mum and Bubby have gone on to make remarkable recoveries, but we know that would not have been possible without the critical care provided by East Anglian Air Ambulance.

“As the crew and I prepare to row the Atlantic Ocean, it means a huge amount to support a charity that has had such an emotional impact on my family’s life. Knowing that the money we raise could help another family receive the same life-saving care gives every mile and every stroke a greater purpose. Without East Anglian Air Ambulance, my family’s story could look very different today, and for that I will always be grateful.”

Conor McGeown, Head of Relationship Fundraising & Partnerships at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said, “East Anglian Air Ambulance relies on donations from our community to ensure our critical care teams can continue to respond to people experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies across our region. What Jasper, Jamie, Edward and Matt are doing out on the Atlantic Ocean will make a real difference to people here at home; the money they raise will help fund the critical care our teams deliver to patients in the moments they need it most.”

Conor adds, “We’re so thankful to The Oardinary Crew. We wish them the very best of luck, and hope for favourable conditions as they embark on their epic rowing challenge.”

Alongside East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Oardinary Crew are supporting James’ Place and The Giving Tree. Following a charity dinner in London in April, the team have already raised more than £238,000 (including Gift Aid) for the three charities.

If you would like to sponsor The Oardinary Crew, visit their fundraising page.