The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge sets sail in December each year and stands as one of the single-most grueling sailing challenges on the planet. In 2022, GPT Waste will be putting their support behind Team Emotive as the 4-man team embarks on a 40-day non-stop rowing feat all in the name of charity Veterans at Ease.Skipper and Royal Navy Veteran Jason Watkin will lead his crew of fellow veterans, Garreth Murrell, Chris Harvey, and Stephen Lees on a harrowing mental and physical journey spanning 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua. Jason states the importance of their supported charity, Veterans at Ease, “Our passion for mental health support and the Veterans at Ease charity keeps us motivated. As someone who has used the service first-hand, I know just how important fundraising can be.”
The squad of veterans will endure over a month of rough seas, rationed food, blisters, salt wounds, sleep deprivation, and severe fatigue. Incredibly, Jason and his crew are preparing to lose around 15kgs of weight per person over the course of the journey.
GPT Managing Director Guy Cherry says “It’s the incredible display of commitment from Jason, Garreth, Chris and Stephen that’s truly inspiring. They’ve identified their charity as being something that they themselves have leaned on in the years after service. Now, they are giving back with the ultimate show of courage and strength. This is something we fully stand behind and we are proud to offer our support.”
Veterans at Ease is a free service on offer to veterans, reservists, serving military personnel, and also their families. The charity is aimed at helping them deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other combat stress-related issues.
Team Emotive is now at the 12-month countdown before they set off on their journey in December 2022. Their boat, aptly named ‘Oardrey’ will be their home for the 3,000-mile journey. The crew must be completely self-sufficient at sea and endure the crossing without assistance while carrying all non-biodegradable waste with them for the entirety of the journey.
The team at GPT is looking forward to tracking Team Emotive’s progress in training and preparation over the next 12 months.
GPT Waste offers an industry leading, transparent and technology-backed offering to the UK waste sector. We can offer strategic reviews of your waste management requirements in order to identify environmental and cost benefits. Our approach has made us the UK’s leading independent waste management company. To speak to our expert team about your waste management requirements, call 0844 854 5000 or email info@gptwaste.com.
