CAPTAIN SCOTT POLLOCK

Scott, a ‘military brat’ from Scotland is a serving Army officer in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. 

Scott joined the Army at 16 and has served as man and boy. Scott would affectionately refer to himself as the Army’s very own ‘Ergfather’ as he’s notorious for his passion for rowing and has represented the Army in almost every rowing class available.  His story started on the indoor Concept 2 ‘erg’ and has seen him compete at multiple World and European Championships with some podium finishes along the way. Now a little older, he supports more than he competes but was ecstatic to see the British Army on the podium at the World Championships in Paris 2020 after years of building the sport. 

Most of Scott’s uber cool challenges are done supporting others complete activities such as Ironman’s, Lakeland 100 and Enduroman to name but a few. Scott is excited and proud to have this opportunity to commit to this challenge.  

His kids refer to him as ‘Cap’ (Captain America), although the only real resemblance is the red, white and blue in our nations’ flag. 

The team are perfectly balanced, motivated and hungry to make this event a huge success and he is enormously thrilled to guide the team.

WO1 VICTORIA BLACKBURN

Victoria, originally from the Red Rose County, Lancashire, is a serving Army Warrant Officer in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps.  

Victoria with her broad northern accent, is a gentle force of nature who is easily captivated by the sound of the outdoors and the murmur of adventure.

A down to earth lass who has a plethora of experience working in our more exotic and sandier climates. As a veteran of multiple tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, she now successfully manages and supports the physical development of our soldier’s and officer’s of today.

As a girl she played every sport and got involved in almost every adventure available, even the Duke of Edinburgh award were she regularly looked like an extract from the goonies. Fast forward a few years and times have not changed and she can now be found navigating across the great plains of our continents, including the Swiss the Alps, the Sahara Desert and even our own Scottish Highlands.

She has a 17 yr old Jack Russell called spud, who has a head the colour of a jacket potato and likes nothing but turning into a mini T-Rex when disturbed from his sleep.  She is a loving daughter, sister and aunty and loves nothing but to take her nieces on mini adventures, send them home dirty and tease them when all they want is a sensible answer.

Her experience as an army indoor rower combined with her love for the outdoors, provides the perfect combination for this challenge. She is under no illusion that her physical and mental robustness will reach limits that will test and stretch her ability, but Victoria is hugely confident that with the support of her teammates both she and the team will tackle and overcome the most challenging and surprising obstacles. 

SSGT PHILLIP WELCH

Phil, originally from the Wirral, Merseyside, is a serving Army Staff Sergeant in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps.

Phil has served in the military for 18 years and has been heavily involved in the indoor rowing scene since 2015. He has competed in numerous national and international indoor rowing competitions over the last 5 years and earlier this year, he represented the Army at the world rowing indoor championships. More recently, he took part in a charity 100mile,160,934m individual ultra-row on an indoor rowing machine, which tested his physical and mental robustness but nothing will quite compare to rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Phil has not yet had the opportunity to make the transition across from indoor rowing to on the water rowing, but the Atlantic challenge was too good of an opportunity to turn down.

Phil is also a keen adventure training enthusiast and has spent a lot of his time in the military either, under the waves Sub-Aqua Diving or in the clouds Sky Diving. In his spare time, apart from his 3 children, Phil has two more passions in life, his 2 French Bulldogs and football, he is a massive football fan and enjoys either playing or watching the game.

Phil is thrilled to be part of this great team of individuals and is excited and very enthusiastic about the challenge ahead for him and the team.

SGT LAURA BARRIGAN

Laura, from March in Cambridgeshire is a serving Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor within the Royal Army Physical Training Corps.

Laura is the ‘young pup’ of the group at the ripe old age of 28. Having discovered indoor rowing in 2018, Laura has since achieved podium finishes at both national and world indoor rowing competitions. With a love for crazy outdoor challenges and pushing her limits, she wasn’t going to let the small matter of never rowing in a boat stop her from getting involved when rowing the Atlantic was mentioned. Outside of work, she can often be found exploring the British countryside with her husband and spaniels by her side (or just behind). Her friends and family weren’t surprised when she mentioned rowing across the Atlantic and are looking forward to sipping cocktails on the beaches in Antigua whilst waving them in.

Laura is excited to be given this amazing opportunity and can’t wait to be out on the sea as part of such a great team.