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06 Sept 2025

Laois man will row dangerous journey across North Sea for charity

The Mountmellick man will undertake a task that has only been achieved three times in history.

Laois man will row dangerous journey across North Sea for charity

Reporter:

Hannah Cahill

12 Jul 2024 6:53 PM

Email:

hannah.cahill@leinsterexpress.ie

A Laois man is rowing unsupported across the North Sea to raise money for charity.
Colm Flanagan from Mountmellick will embark on this arduous journey with 11 other people, rowing approximately 650km across the notoriously wild North Sea, from Inverness in Scotland to Stavanger in Norway.
The team will row continuously for 24 hours a day, with each member rotating three hour shifts of rowing and rest. 
The journey is expected to take seven to eight days, and has only been three successful attempts of this journey in modern history.
"With the challenge, I hope to raise awareness and support the UK NGO, Children Not Numbers (CNN)," said Mr Flanagan.
"This non-profit is dedicated to the health, safety, education and rehabilitation of Children in conflict zones, providing both urgent medical support and long term rehabilitation plans."

Mr Flanagan expressed his gratitude to those who have already donated towards the fundraiser, and is appealing to the generosity of the public.
The fundraiser has received over £6,000 GB Pounds since its inception several weeks ago.
"I would kindly ask if you could consider forgoing the cost of coffee or a beer this week and make a small donation to support me and CNN. All support is greatly appreciated," Mr Flanagan said.
"As a dad of four kids, I have found it deeply distressing watching the horrific pictures of kids in Gaza day after day," Mr Flanagan said.
"It's impossible to imagine the desperate conditions that thousands of families and children in particular have had to endure and continue to suffer, being maimed, severely injured and orphaned as well as being desperately ill and hungry," he said.
"Through this row I hope to raise awareness and much needed funds for a UK NGO, Children Not Numbers, an organisation committed to the health, safety, education and rehabilitation of the children of Gaza."
Mr Flanagan and his team will embark on the journey on Monday July 15. You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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