Rowing an ocean for Mum and MS

Victorian policeman Tim Spiteri is set to launch an audacious bid to row across the Indian Ocean later this month.

In a world-first, Tim and his team of eight, will attempt to row 8,500km non-stop, from Geraldton to Durban in South Africa without assistance – setting a new world record.

This is the second ocean crossing attempt Tim will embark on after successfully crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 2013.

Through the combined crossing attempts Tim and his team aim to raise more than $250,000 for MS Australia.

Tim has been inspired to tackle the ocean rows by his mother Rhonda who has been living with MS for more than 30 years.

“Mum has been a constant inspiration for me. Every day I’m amazed at her courage and positivity and she’s always been there to support me throughout my life,” Tim said.

“This row is another opportunity to help her and to give back to people like Mum who are living with this terrible disease.”

The journey will not be an easy  and it will pose considerable risks to the team with high winds and large swells expected along the way as well as the threat of injury, boat damage and even piracy.

“I’m confident the team will be ready for departure and that they will be able to complete the challenge ahead,” Tim said.

“We’ve been training now collectively for quite some time and there is always a great camaraderie once you get in the boat and head out, because once you’re out there, you have to rely so much on each other.

“I’m sure it will get tough along the way but we have received such wonderful support so far and we know we will have family and friends back home cheering us on. I have no doubt this will spur us on regardless of what the ocean throws at us.”

Tim and his team will depart from Geraldton, (weather dependant) in the next couple of days.

To follow Tim’s voyage, and to support his journey by donating, visit www.timsvoyage.com.