Donegal family rowing 3,000 miles across Atlantic Ocean in aid of RNLI

A mother and her two sons are set to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of Arranmore RNLI. 

Sharon, Evan and Glenn O’Donnell will undertake the challenge, rowing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, which fewer than 2,000 people have completed worldwide. 

Referred to as The World’s Toughest Row, it consists of a 3,000-mile or 4,800km journey across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. Flying to Tenerife, from there they will get a boat and arrive at La Gomera before December 1. 

Growing up on Arranmore Island, the sea has always been central to their lives. The trio are going under the name Trasna na dTonnta, which means “Across the Waves”. They will row continuously for around 40-60 days, facing isolation and the force of the ocean. 

Rowing across the Atlantic has been Sharon’s goal ever since she was in Seattle and sailed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. “I saw people rowing across the ocean, and this lit a fire in me and it has been my dream since,” Sharon tells DonegalLive. 

Evan grew up fishing and Glenn has always enjoyed being active, so when the opportunity arose, the two were more than happy to join. Both Sharon and Evan volunteer as crew with the RNLI All-weather lifeboat.

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A fundraiser has been established to cover the costs associated with getting to La Gomera and the equipment and supplies needed. A separate fundraiser was established to benefit Arranmore Lifeboat Station, where all charitable donations will go. 

If you would like to donate to - Help us get to the start line of the World's Toughest Row and Trasna-na-dTonnta Trans-Atlantic Row in aid of the RNLI.

Much preparation has gone into getting the fundraisers and socials set up, as well as the mandatory paperwork and training courses to undertake the challenge. 

“As ordinary people, we want to prove that with determination, teamwork, and belief, anyone can achieve the extraordinary. Your possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, and ours is set on the open ocean. Living on the northwest coast of Ireland, the sea has always been a central part of our lives. We know its beauty, its power, and the profound respect it demands.

“We truly appreciate anyone who chooses to support us, whether through donating, sharing, or simply following our journey. Without this support, the challenge simply wouldn’t be possible. 

“Thank you for helping us turn an ambitious idea into a reality.”