Giesen Wines co-founders Theo and Janet Giesen are proud of their son Isaac…and with just cause. But his latest expedition is prompting them to appeal to their New Zealand food and beverage industry counterparts for support.
As the 24-year-old prepares in England to be the first New Zealander to row the Atlantic on his own, the Marlborough couple say they support him 100% in everything he does, but they are concerned. “We know he is preparing well, but we are worried,” Theo says. “This is a gruelling endurance event. He is training hard and has English rowing adventurer Leven Brown as his mentor.” Isaac – nicknamed the Blue Rower – hopes to cover the 4800km across the world’s second largest ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua within 90 days and raise $1 million for organisations working against depression. Known as the world’s toughest row, the journey is rare and special…more people have been into space or climbed Everest than those who have rowed the Atlantic. As a participant in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – which starts next month – Isaac will endure blisters, salt rashes, sharks and sleep deprivation – rowing four hours on and two hours off consecutively to complete the epic challenge. “Solitude could be overwhelming at times, but at least I know it will be short term,” he says. “I lost my aunt and two friends to suicide, and it is in their memory that I will be rowing against depression. I aim to raise $1 million to share equally among three organisations supporting those with depression: Victim Support, The Black Dog Institute and Bravehearts,” Isaac says. While Theo and Janet – along with family and friends – are financially supporting Isaac as he prepares with multiple Guinness World Record holder and survival expert Leven Brown, there is a shortfall of around $60,000 to complete the challenge. Isaac has purchased and fitted-out an ocean-worthy row boat with satellite and UHF radios and tracking equipment, and incurs ongoing costs. The Giesen family say any business or individual donation to their son’s challenge from the New Zealand food and beverage industry will be accepted with gratitude, and any questions should be directed to Theo on 027 537 5906.
Giesen Wines co-founders Theo and Janet Giesen are proud of their son Isaac…and with just cause. But his latest expedition is prompting them to appeal to their New Zealand food and beverage industry counterparts for support.
The donations can be pledged via the Everyday Hero website.
https://www.everydayhero.co.nz/event/thebluerower
