About Rich & Tom...
Rich and Tom met whilst studying at the University of Gloucestershire. They got to know each other well whilst Rich was Rugby League Club Captain and Tom was the Students' Union Sports President.
Richard Hume
How old will you be when you set off?
27 years old.
Where are you from?
I was born in London, raised in London and currently live in London. I do travel a lot though!
Any Qualifications?
Education is not a strong point. Having said that, I do possess 10 GCSE’s, 3 A Levels and a Sports and Exercise Science degree. Additionally I have a Level 3 Personal Training diploma. I have also obtained Shorebased Ocean Yachtmaster, Sea First Aid, Sea Survival and Marine Short Wave Radio certificates.
What is your main reason for rowing?
Although my spirit for adventure has developed hugely over the last 6 or 7 years, I have dreamed of rowing the Atlantic since 1997. The main reason was that in 1996, due to having a severe curvature in my spine, doctors told me that i would play no sport for the foreseeable future. A combination of no sport, dramatic weight loss and a solid plastic back brace for 4 years, I decided that "no sport" was not an option. This accumulated in finishing the 2008 triple iron triathlon (pic below right), and proved beyond doubt, that not only was it possible to prove people wrong, but with a bit of persistence and hard work, anything can happen. Bring on the rowing!
What are your other great achievements?
I was lucky enough to have had a very successful school and university Sports career including a South of England Rugby League Cap whilst at university. More recently I have completed 3 ironman Triathlons (2.4mile swim, 112mile bike and 26.2mile run) one double ironman triathlon (4.8mile swim, 224mile bike and 52.4mile run), along with a few other marathons and adventure races. In 2008 I ran the Ironman Swiss and completed the triple Ironman (7.2mile swim, 336mile bike and 78.6mile run) in 52hours and 45 minutes finishing 4th.
How would other people describe you?
Competitive, loyal, determined (maybe boring), funny, ginger and totally pretty!
Who inspires you?
Lance Armstrong and anybody who defies the norm.
Favourite saying?
“Failure to prepare is like preparing to fail” and “because I’m free”.
What do you think you'll miss most?
A hot bath and my bike. Possibly work. Ice cubes in fizzy drinks!
Best piece of advice received so far?
Take a bed sheet. (James Cracknell). Bucket and chuck it is not nice!
What's your biggest fear?
The time I don’t get a kick out of seeing people eat McDonald’s (I am a personal trainer), when I don’t get annoyed with people asking me why, and Fundraising.
What are you most looking forward to?
Dolphins and sunrises/sunsets, flat calm seas and huge waves. What it will feel like when we achieve what we set out to do!
How would you describe Tom?
Tall with a big nose! And athletic, dedicated and focused, all of which are kind of important!!!
93% curvature of spine
Triple ironman finish line
Tom Barnes
How old will you be when you set off?
A sprightly 30 years old.
Where are you from?
I was born in Epsom, grew up in Woking, went to University in Cheltenham and now live in Addlestone.
Any Qualifications?
I've got the usual GCSE's (some A* I'd like to add), A-Levels although a disappointing 2:2 degree from University. Qualified Football Referee. Gained my Private Pilots Licence. I am now a RYA Ocean Yachtmaster and I also have Sea First Aid, Sea Survival and RYA Short Wave Radio certificates.
What are your other great achievements?
Played school boy football for Wimbledon and Chelsea FC. Ranked 26th in British University Triathlon. Ran the BUPA Great North Half Marathon and the Flora London Marathon 2008. Cycled London to Paris on a tandem with my Dad non-stop overnight. Cycled Ireland and England Coast to Coast (both West to East). I was elected Sports President at University and hosted the annual Sports Awards. Won the Endurance Life (Run & Kayak) 2007 team event with my younger sister. Helping to run the IMG Social Committee which puts on events for staff throughout the year.
How would other people describe you?
Tall, dark (well slightly tanned face) and definitely handsome! As you can tell from my photo a sense of humour as well!
Who inspires you?
My parents and anyone who’s not afraid to give something a go.
Favourite saying?
“Row Rich, Row!”
What do you think you'll miss most?
Laura- my lovely girlfriend. All my Family & Friends, food in general, the X Factor final, BBC Sports Personality and all sport on TV!
Best piece of advice received so far?
Learn to row! A lot of people have said this might help considering we are both novices.
What's your biggest fear?
Seeing Rich naked!
What are you most looking forward to?
Finally stepping on dry land in Antigua and hopefully raising money to help others who are less fortunate than myself. I’m sure the sense of personal satisfaction will live with me forever.
How would you describe Rich?
Posh, Ginger, Sporty, (no, I’m not naming the Spice Girls) and a hunch back! In all seriousness he’s a top bloke, 100% determined and completely trustworthy.
Tom on the water
Off to Uni - Woking to Cheltenham
