Rower crosses Atlantic to support girls campaign

Aodhán (front) is rowing across the Atlantic for our girls campaign

18 January 2012:  Plan supporter Aodhán Kelly is currently rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a world record attempt to raise funds and awareness for Plan’s global Because I am a Girl campaign.

The 26-year-old Irishman, who lives in Reading, UK, is part of a 6-man team hoping to become the first rowing crew to cross the ocean by boat in less than 30 days.

Gruelling challenge

Already 2 weeks into their gruelling journey from the coast of Morocco to Barbados, former Irish national rowing team member Aodhán and the crew are tired, but in good spirits.

The crew in their boat preparing for the world record attempt

"My girlfriend Ilse thought it sounded great when it was just a pipe dream, although panic did set in initially when she realised I was actually going to go through with it,” says Aodhán.  

“But now she is fine about it and is very supportive. She is particularly happy because I am doing this for Plan International, a charity she used to volunteer for.”

Fighting gender inequality

Aodhán is hoping to raise thousands of pounds to support Plan’s Because I am a Girl campaign to promote girls’ rights, fight gender inequality and lift millions out of poverty.

Find out more about the challenge and follow Aodhán’s daily updates from the boat via his blog site*.

Join Plan’s Because I am a Girl campaign

* Plan is not responsible for the content on external websites.