Halifax Dad to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to help families in need

Halifax-based McDonalds franchisee Matthew Pitchforth is planning to row across the Atlantic, a distance of 3000 miles, in a bid to get some funds to the Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

Nick Perks, Richard Hornsey, Dean Fitzmaurice and Matthew will compete as Team Graft this December in the world’s most challenging rowing race.

They will row from the Canary Islands to Antigua taking 35 days, target set on the winning prize of £1 million for parents whose children are in the hospital.

The dangers are enormous: storms, waves can be as high as 40 feet, and 30 thousand pulls a day by oars. Matthews and his crew have been practicing with ocean rowing specialist, Duncan Roy in a boat built exclusively for this exercise.

Matthew’s 12-year-old daughter Olivia said she is proud of her father but at the same time worried about his adventure.

“I’m very proud of what he’s doing, but it’s hard not to worry about the dangers, like sharks and storms,” she said.

Olivia, along with her younger brother William, have been assisting by making energy dense snacks and meals for their dad for the race as the man in question will be needing approximately 6000 calories a day during the race.

Matthew said that Christmas will be a little bit harder not getting to see his family but it is worth it for the cause. “This is worthy the effort because it helps families who go through unimaginable struggles,” he said.

His wife Stephanie said, “It is a very emotional time but also very proud of him, we all are.”

However, Team Graft understands the risks and challenges involved in making the change and is willing to help transform the lives of struggling families who really need a helping hand.

That’s why for Matthew it is not only the process of rowing, but it is also hope for other people.