Croyde adventurer Adam Jones prepares for epic Atlantic row to inspire others

A North Devon adventurer is preparing to take on one of the ultimate tests of human endurance in a bid to make history, honour his late mother and raise vital funds for two cancer charities.

Adam Jones, who lives in Croyde, is aiming to become the first person with a cornea transplant to row solo more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean when he sets off in December 2026.

The extraordinary challenge will see Jones spend weeks alone at sea, battling exhaustion, unpredictable weather and the physical and mental demands of rowing across the ocean.

But for the North Devon resident, the journey is about far more than an endurance record.

It is a deeply personal mission to raise money for Target Ovarian Cancer and Children with Cancer, inspired by the loss of his mother to ovarian cancer just weeks before she was due to meet her first grandchild, Jones's son William.

That devastating experience has provided a powerful motivation for his fundraising efforts, which have already raised more than £20,000 for the two charities.

Jones hopes his Atlantic adventure will help generate further donations while he is away at sea, with the expedition expected to run from late December until the middle of February.

His message is one of resilience, determination and the belief that life's greatest challenges can be turned into opportunities to help others.

The proposed crossing is the latest in a remarkable series of adventures undertaken by Jones, whose appetite for pushing physical and mental boundaries has taken him from the world's highest mountain to some of the toughest endurance events on the planet.

He has previously summited Mount Everest, completed the Marathon des Sables – widely regarded as one of the world's most demanding foot races – and undertaken a solo sea-kayaking expedition from Scotland to Ireland.

Each adventure has tested his ability to cope with discomfort, uncertainty and isolation, qualities that will be essential during his forthcoming Atlantic crossing.

His experiences have also provided the inspiration for his book, Mindset – The World's First Sea, Sand, and Summit Challenge, in which he explores the determination and mental strength required to take on extreme challenges.

Now he is preparing to apply those lessons to an expedition that combines personal ambition with a fundraising mission close to his heart.

The planned row will also highlight his determination to pursue extraordinary goals despite having undergone a cornea transplant.

By attempting the crossing, Jones hopes to demonstrate what can be achieved through perseverance, while raising awareness and support for causes that affect families facing devastating diagnoses.

Jones's ambitious plans have already attracted support from businesses in the local community.

Woodstock Windows and The Thatch are among the sponsors backing the Croyde adventurer, while outdoor equipment company Dryrobe has provided equipment to help him prepare for the demanding conditions he is likely to encounter.

That backing has helped him move closer to the start line, although the scale of the expedition means that fundraising and securing further support remain important priorities.

Jones is also keen to build partnerships that will help share his story and keep the charities in the public eye throughout his time on the ocean.

His website, Row2Inspire, provides further information about the project and its charitable aims.

Solo ocean rowing demands meticulous preparation, physical conditioning and the ability to remain focused for long periods without the reassurance of a support crew alongside.

For Jones, however, the emotional purpose behind the challenge is likely to be just as significant as the physical effort.

The death of his mother shortly before the birth of William has given his fundraising a personal significance, with the hope that the money raised can help other families affected by cancer.

His two chosen charities support different but equally important causes: Target Ovarian Cancer works to improve outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer, while Children with Cancer supports children and families dealing with childhood cancer.

With more than £20,000 already raised, Jones will be hoping his Atlantic adventure can take that total considerably higher.

As the December departure approaches, the Croyde resident is preparing for an undertaking that will demand everything he has learned from years of extreme adventures.

If successful, he will not only have completed an extraordinary ocean crossing but also delivered a powerful message about overcoming adversity, honouring loved ones and using personal ambition to make a difference to others.