Dave Holby

Rowing

I started rowing when I was 15 years old and fell in love with the sport almost instantly. Unfortunately I've never really had a frame designed for speed but I've always been a decent plodder and tried to think of ways I could put that to use. After moving to Basingstoke I started to complete more and more solo rowathons, and began to dream up daft challenges that I could attempt. I started calculating the distances between certain land marks, thinking that I could perhaps row the virtual distance of the Great Wall of China for a few hours a day in town and raise money for a good cause.

The Challenge

To add an extra bit of excitement I spontaneously decided to call Guinness World Records to see if a record could be set - they were very polite but said such an unusual distance was unlikely to be recognised as a world record. I thanked them and put the phone down only to call back straight away and ask if a category could be opened to row around the earth's equator.

Why Breakthrough?

Choosing Breakthrough Breast Cancer as the charity to row for was a very easy choice for me. I lost a wonderful grandmother to breast cancer when I was seven years old and really wanted to try and do something to help raise funds for research into treatment for it.

I think the cause you choose to fight for hardest is the one that has hurt you the most. I truly believe breast cancer is a disease that can and will be beaten but it will take patience, financial backing and the finest minds to do so.

Since the challenge started in May 2008 I have met a number of incredible women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and either fought it and beaten it, or who continue to fight it still. Sadly, I have also met far too many families who have lost loved ones. Not just grandmothers, but mothers, sisters and tragically daughters too. Every penny raised takes us a little step closer to a future free from this terrible disease.