LONG ROW TEAM PASS THE HALF–WAY MARK  

Scottish couple Allan Lipp and Mhairi Ross have passed the half-way point on their journey to row around Great Britain. On day 52 of their adventure, the pair have passed Land’s End, which means they are now in the second half of the unassisted – and very challenging – 2,000+ nautical mile expedition. 

Since departing from Wick in Scotland on 1 June, Allan and Mhairi have faced some unseasonal and very difficult weather and sea conditions. As a result, they have had to take shelter and drop anchor, and just sit out the weather for more time than they ever imagined. Despite the setbacks, the pair are very resilient, and have pushed on when they can, and now heading up the west coast. 

The couple are rowing to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA). They aim to be the first mixed pairs team to complete an unassisted circumnavigation of Great Britain by rowing boat. Throughout their journey, they have not touched land or accepted any provisions. Their 7-metre rowing boat is stocked with dehydrated food and a desalination unit for drinking water.  

Allan and Mhairi have more than 35 years of RNLI seagoing service between them. Allan is a full-time coxswain on the Wick lifeboat and Mhairi, a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service, also volunteers as a navigator with the RNLI.   

Allan Lipp said: “We are delighted to have passed the half-way point. The journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but the unwavering and phenomenal support we’ve received keeps us going.” 

Mhairi Ross added: “Knowing that we have conquered half of the journey is amazing. The support from friends, family, and everyone following us has kept us going during the toughest of times. And meeting so many wonderful people along the way has been truly heartwarming!” 

Frances Beveridge, RNLI Community Manager for North Scotland, said: “We’re incredibly proud and grateful to Allan and Mhairi for taking on this incredible challenge for the RNLI in its 200th year. The funds they raise will help to support our lifesaving work across the UK and Ireland at our 236 lifeboat stations and 238 lifeguarded beaches.  

“Allan and Mhairi display so many of our core values, including courage and selflessness, and represent the volunteers at the heart of our organisation – ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  

“On behalf of the RNLI, I can’t thank Allan and Mhairi enough for their courage and selflessness, along with all their supporters, including Boralex – the gold sponsor of The Long Row Home.”  

The couple have raised £24,733 of their £30,000 target for the RNLI and SCAA. Supporters can follow The Long Row Home via daily blog posts on their social media, a podcast, and a live tracker on their website. 

Find The Long Row Home on:

JustGiving: https://justgiving.com/team/stormyandsteth 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089480973284 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormyandsteth/