THE GlastonBeoley Community Music Festival has agreed to provide a financial donation to a rowing crew, Deadlegz, which aims to row across the Atlantic Ocean in 2025.
Team DeadLegz was formed by Rob Oliver in memory of his late father, a musician whose nickname was ‘DeadLegz’ because he hardly ever moved on stage.
DeadLegz has been undertaking challenges and raising funds for charity since 2015, when Rob led a team to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours, raising £4,000 for charity.
In 2018, several members of DeadLegz cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats in 10 days, raising £15,000 for good causes. Now, DeadLegz is preparing for its toughest challenge yet – a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in December 2025, the race – known as ‘The World’s Toughest Row’ – will start off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
DeadLegz needs to raise around £120,000 in order to take part in the race.
Those funds will be used towards the race entrance fees, training courses, as well as purchasing the essential safety and other equipment needed for the race.
GlastonBeoley Community Music Festival has agreed to donate £1,000 to support DeadLegz.
The Festival, held in Redditch at the end of June each year, has raised tens of thousands of pounds for national and local charities and good causes over the last seven years, and will return again to Redditch Cricket, Hockey, Rugby and Squash Club on June 28 and 29.
DeadLegz skipper Rob Oliver, who also works as a volunteer and a musician at GlastonBeoley each year, said: “We are absolutely delighted that GlastonBeoley has chosen to support us.
“This is going to be our toughest challenge to date by far, and every donation we receive brings us closer to the start line.”
Debbie Joynes, GlastonBeoley organiser, added: “We were struck by the enormity of this challenge taken on by the DeadLegz crew, and wanted to show our support by making a financial donation to help them get to the start line in 2025.
“We are proud to support local charities and good causes, making a difference to local communities in and around Redditch.”
Visit glastonbeoley.co.uk for tickets for this June’s festival.
