Two Lincolnshire rowers who are crossing the Atlantic in 2025 in aid of local youth charity the Jon Egging Trust (JET), plan to unveil their new boat – Momento Mori – at JET’s annual cycling fundraiser, JETRide, at RAF Cranwell on Sept 21st.
A week ahead of the boat’s official launch at Doubletree Hilton in Lincoln on 27th Sept, rowers Kip Wells and Chris Ambler are inviting JETRide participants and their families to get a closer look at the high-tech craft that will carry them on their 3,000-mile adventure from La Gomera to Antigua at the end of 2025.
Chris and Kip will be on hand to guide people around their boat at JETRide, and also plan to take on the ride themselves, seeing it as an opportunity to build fitness ahead of their 1.5 million oar stroke challenge that will take them from Europe to the America next winter!
Kip says that JETRide provides the perfect opportunity for them to raise awareness of their adventure, and get vital training miles under their belts.
“JETRide means we get to put our physical training to the test and put in place some of the mental resilience techniques we have been working on with our coach,” says Kip. “Although the ride may not be 3,000 miles across an ocean, it is certainly a great proving ground to try and display some characteristics the row will require from us.
“The best thing about JETRide is that we get to introduce our supporters to the wonderful people at JETand showcase the trust’s brilliant work. We look forward to meeting everyone and showing them around Momento Mori. She will be there with hatch doors open so people can see the technology involved in racing oceans and ask us any questions they have!”
JET’s annual charity bike ride, JETRide, has been a staple event in Lincolnshire since 2019, with 50, 75 and 100-mile trails all heading south from the startline at RAF Cranwell. Local riders who would like to learn more about JETRide or the work of the Jon Egging Trust should visit: joneggingtrust.org.uk/JETRide
ENDS
About the Jon Egging Trust
Founded in 2011 by Dr Emma Egging OBE, following the tragic death of her husband, Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging, the Jon Egging Trust (JET) supports vulnerable young people who are struggling at school to build social and emotional learning skills and reengage with education.
Over the past decade, JET has supported more than 45,000 young lives through its long-term Blue Skies programmes which build confidence, resilience, employability skills and aspiration, and link students to inspiring STEM workplaces and relatable role models who allow them to think differently about their futures. Blue Skies programmes are delivered in partnership with JET’s network of high profile corporate and military partners across the UK.