After 58 days, 10 hours, and 21 minutes at sea, Sean and Jonny have done it.
On 23rd March, the Changing Tides Row team arrived in Antigua, completing their extraordinary 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean. What began as an ambitious goal over two years ago has become a reality.
These two former Royal Marines had a mission: to raise funds and awareness for Care after Combat and Samaritans and to prove that no matter how impossible something feels, it’s possible to keep going.
Now, having battled for miles across one of the world’s most challenging oceans, they’ve more than proven that.
A Journey for an Important Cause
Why They Rowed
When asked why they were taking on this challenge, Sean’s answer was clear and heartfelt:
“I’ve got 3 reasons. Firstly, I want to make my family proud. I think it’s an amazing thing to do and I’ve watched a few events now and I want to just make my family proud of that, proud of their dad and husband.
Secondly to raise as much money and awareness for our charities – Care After Combat and Samaritans – as we can. Thirdly our message. Myself and Johnny have had a few very good friends, veterans and civilians, take their own lives, and we’ve had enough. We want to do our little bit to try and stop people doing that if we can, so by doing this we want to show people that it is possible to just keep going.”
Jonny’s response was characteristically honest:
“I want to row across the Atlantic… to prove I can do it. Because I’m an idiot. I’m easily led. Obviously all this was Sean’s idea! To support the two great charities we’re doing it for – Care After Combat and Samaritans – we’ve both lost friends through mental health problems and suicide. I want to make my kids proud as well.”
Both Sean and Jonny have lost friends to mental health struggles. Their “why” was deeply, painfully personal: they’d had enough of losing people they cared about, and they wanted to do something to show others that even when life feels impossible, you do have the strength within you to keep going
What They Achieved
The numbers tell part of the story: the team has rowed 3,200 miles across the Atlantic and, as of 24th March, over £15,900 has been raised for Care after Combat and Samaritans, with donations still coming in.
The funds raised will directly support the work both charities do every day. For ourselves, this means continuing to provide one-to-one mentorship to veterans in the justice system, running group meetings where veterans connect with others who understand their experiences, maintaining our 24/7 helpline, and supporting veterans in and after the justice system for as long as they need us.
For Samaritans, it means continuing to provide confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in distress or struggling to cope. It means being there for the phone calls, emails, and visits that save lives.
But the full impact goes far beyond the numbers.
They have brought awareness of mental health support and of veterans in the justice system to everyone who followed their journey. They even inspired prison teams to row in solidarity, matching their daily distances on gym machines and creating connection and purpose within the justice system.
Most importantly, they proved what they set out to prove: that determination and mutual support can allow people to accomplish extraordinary things and that when something feels impossible, you can still choose to keep going.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible
Sean and Jonny didn’t row those 3,200 miles alone. Behind them was a team of supporters, sponsors, believers, and people who gave their time, resources, and encouragement to make this journey possible.
So, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who played a part:
James Brooke
James was originally going to complete this row alongside Sean. Due to family reasons, he had to step back from rowing, but his commitment to the team and the mission never wavered.
James put in significant work training and organising before stepping back, and he gave his full support to Sean and Jonny as they continued training and embarked on the row. His contribution laid essential groundwork for their success. Thank you, James, for everything you gave to make this possible.
Jem and Rachel (Mrs Phelps and Mrs Towers)
Jem and Rachel were the unsung heroes of this journey. Whilst their husbands battled the Atlantic, the pair managed all communications, keeping supporters updated through Facebook, relaying messages of encouragement to the boat, maintaining social media presence, and creating the connection between Sean and Jonny and the community of people following their progress.
They were the strength behind the strength, providing unwavering support through every difficult moment and holding everything together back home whilst their husbands were at sea for nearly two months. So, to Jem and Rachel, thank you for everything you did and everything you are.
The Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters
To every business and individual who sponsored this challenge, thank you for helping make this possible. Your belief in Sean, Jonny, and the cause helped two men achieve something extraordinary.
To everyone who donated through the Givestar page: every contribution, no matter the size, mattered. You’ve helped fund our mentorship, our group meetings, and our 24/7 helpline. You’ve supported Samaritans in providing round-the-clock emotional support to people in distress. Your generosity will change lives.
And, of course, to the prison teams who rowed in solidarity with Sean and Jonny, thank you for rowing with them, even from thousands of miles away.
The Atlantic Dash
To The Atlantic Dash for organising and supporting this challenge: thank you for ensuring the safety of the teams and making challenges like this possible for amazing people raising funds for causes that mean so much to them.
What’s Next
Sean and Jonny can finally rest! After nearly two months of rowing in shifts, battling seasickness, darkness, exhaustion, unpredictable weather, and the relentless physical and mental challenge of the Atlantic, they’ve made it.
The funds raised will continue supporting veterans in the justice system and people facing mental health crises. The conversations started will continue. The lives changed will continue rebuilding, one day at a time, with the support these funds provide.
For veterans who need support right now: we’re here, always.
A New Mission Begins
Sean and Jonny had a special stowaway aboard! JJ Bear joined them on their Atlantic crossing as part of Operation PAWSIBLE, our worldwide campaign where JJ embarks on adventures around the globe to raise awareness and funds for veterans in need.
JJ Bear’s adventures are far from over. Operation PAWSIBLE continues, with our covert operatives’ next destination remaining classified for now. Stay tuned for future mission logs as JJ travels the world supporting veterans and raising awareness.
To Sean, Jonny, and Everyone Who Supported Them
Sean and Jonny rowed through seasickness and exhaustion, through darkness and storms and through moments of doubt and difficulty. They rowed when their bodies screamed to stop. And they made it. They’ve honoured the friends they lost, inspired the people who followed their journey, and created lasting impact for the causes they care about.
This journey proves what’s possible when people come together for a cause bigger than themselves. The Atlantic has been crossed, and lives will be changed for the better because of it. And the message continues, louder than ever: keep going and reach out when it gets too much, because someone will be there on the other side. You’re not alone.
Fair winds and following seas, Sean and Jonny. You’ve earned your rest.
Welcome to Antigua. Well done.