why we’re rowing across the atlantic again…
Why We’re Rowing Across the Atlantic
In December 2027, John Watling and David will set out from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and row more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua.
It will mean weeks at sea, rowing around the clock in two-hour shifts, facing exhaustion, sleep deprivation, unpredictable weather and everything the Atlantic can throw at them.
But this row isn’t really about the ocean.
It’s about Lyme disease — the people whose lives have been changed by it, the families who support them, and the urgent need for better awareness, diagnosis, treatment and research.
Through Lyme Horizon, John and David are taking on the Atlantic to raise funds and awareness for two organisations at the forefront of that work: Bay Area Lyme Foundation and Lyme Disease UK.
A Challenge With a Very Personal Purpose
For both John and David, the motivation to row goes far beyond the challenge itself.
John Watling — Skipper
John knows first-hand the impact Lyme disease can have on an entire family.
His daughter, Yasmin, contracted Lyme disease at the age of 19 and continues to live with the long-term effects of the illness today. Watching her experience those challenges gave John a determination to do something that could help others facing the same uncertainty.
This won’t be his first Atlantic crossing.
In 2024, John rowed the Atlantic as part of a four-person crew, raising more than £100,000 for Lyme Disease UK.
In 2027, he is going back.
Because there is still much more to be done.
David Murray
David’s reasons for joining John are equally powerful.
A colleague’s son, who had Lyme disease, took his own life at the age of just 17. It is a story that has stayed with David and underlines the profound impact that long-term illness can have not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically.
David is also no stranger to extreme endurance challenges.
He has completed seven Ironman races and the Marathon des Sables, and in 2021 rowed across the Atlantic as a pair, raising £750,000 for social entrepreneurs and helping set a record as one half of the oldest pair to row an ocean.
For David, another Atlantic crossing is an opportunity to use that experience for a cause that matters deeply.
Why Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.
When recognised and treated early, many people recover successfully. But diagnosis is not always straightforward, symptoms can vary considerably, and some people experience debilitating symptoms that continue long after the initial infection.
These can include:
Severe fatigue
Joint and muscle pain
Headaches
Neurological symptoms
Cognitive difficulties
Skin rashes
Sleep problems
Awareness matters because early recognition can make an enormous difference.
Knowing how to reduce the risk of tick bites, checking yourself after spending time outdoors and understanding the possible symptoms of Lyme disease are all important.
But awareness alone isn’t enough.
There is also a need for continued research into better diagnostics, treatments and our understanding of persistent symptoms, alongside practical support for the people and families already living with the disease.
That is where this row can make a difference.
What We Want This Atlantic Crossing to Achieve
Every mile John and David row will help us push towards three goals.
Raise awareness.
We want more people to understand Lyme disease: what it is, how it is contracted, the symptoms to look out for and the effect it can have on people’s lives.
Fund vital research.
Money raised through Lyme Horizon will support organisations working to improve our understanding of Lyme disease, including research into diagnosis and treatment.
Support people affected by Lyme disease.
Behind every statistic is a person — and often an entire family — trying to navigate the consequences of a complex illness. We want this campaign to help ensure they are seen, heard and supported.
The funds raised will benefit Bay Area Lyme Foundation and Lyme Disease UK, supporting work on both sides of the Atlantic.
More Than 3,000 Miles for a Reason
There are easier ways to raise money than rowing an ocean.
That is partly the point.
An Atlantic crossing is impossible to ignore. It creates conversations. It attracts attention. And it gives John and David a platform from which to tell a story that needs to be heard far more widely.
During the crossing there will be no support boat following behind them. Everything they need must travel with them.
They will row day and night, sleep in short shifts, manage their own food and water, navigate changing weather systems and deal with whatever mechanical, physical or psychological challenges arise along the way.
La Gomera will slowly disappear behind them.
For weeks, there will be nothing around them but ocean.
Then, eventually, Antigua.
Every stroke between the two will represent the people living with Lyme disease and the families hoping for better answers.
Help Us Get to the Start Line
Taking on an Atlantic crossing of this scale requires significant preparation, equipment and support — and we want as much of the money raised as possible to make a meaningful difference to the Lyme disease community.
There are several ways to become part of the Lyme Horizon journey.
Become a Sponsor
We are looking for businesses and organisations that want to support the campaign through financial sponsorship, equipment, services or expertise.
Sponsors will become part of an extraordinary story stretching from the preparations and training through to the Atlantic crossing itself.
Make a Donation
Every contribution matters.
Whether large or small, donations will help support research, awareness and the organisations working directly with people affected by Lyme disease.
Fundraise With Us
You can also create your own challenge, event or fundraiser in support of Lyme Horizon.
Run. Cycle. Swim. Walk. Host a dinner. Take on something completely unexpected.
You don’t need to row an ocean to be part of the journey.
Follow the Atlantic Crossing
The story starts long before John and David leave La Gomera in December 2027.
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing the preparation behind the row: the training, the boat, the logistics, the fundraising, the people whose stories have inspired the challenge and, ultimately, the crossing itself.
You can support the campaign by following our progress, sharing our story and helping us introduce more people to the realities of Lyme disease.
And when John and David finally push away from La Gomera and point the bow towards Antigua, they won’t simply be racing across an ocean.
They’ll be rowing for Yasmin.
They’ll be rowing for the families whose lives have been changed by Lyme disease.
They’ll be rowing for better answers, better treatments and greater understanding.
More than 3,000 miles. Two rowers. One mission.
This is Lyme Horizon.