From roughly 25 July 2024, Stefan will be part of an expedition team that will attempt to row the legendary Northwest Passage. They expect to reach Herschel Island, their finish line, next to the Alaskan border (see maps below), after 8 to 10 weeks. One member will always be on polar bear watch, because you don't want those pesky furries to dull the mood on board. The team will be completely unsupported.

[This map shows the route last year's team rowed.]

LAST YEAR'S FIRST LEG (OF TWO) OF THE EXPEDITION

Great thanks go to last year's expedition team, who successfully made it to the half-way point in Cambridge Bay. Due to work and family commitments, only two members of last year's team are joining again this year.

[This year's team will pick up the baton at last year's finish point, Cambridge Bay, and attempt to row to Herschel Island, almost all the way to Alaska.]

THE RISKS

Icebergs pose a very severe risk, especially because frequent occasions of thick fog mean that visibility might be down to two metres at times. There are no reliable maps. GPS and compasses do not work so close to the North Pole. And storms can be vicious up there. A separate expedition several years ago ended up with a heavily damaged boat, when the boat had been lifted entirely out of the water, then crashed back down into it in a vertical fashion. They were able to fix the leaks, reach the next settlement, and abandon. No fatalities.

[The world's largest land predator is actually a marine mammal: ursus maritimus]

STEFAN'S BACKGROUND

In his day job, Stefan runs a small London-based consultancy firm together with his wife Ellison. They advise financial firms such as fintechs about current and incoming regulations.

In his spare time, Stefan enjoys going on little adventures, often with Ellison. Stefan is an intermediate river rower and past adventures include Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, a descent down the deepest section of the UK's largest cave, a sump dive in another cave, and paddleboarding the Thames source to London. He is also a keen climber, long distance open water swimmer, and ultra-runner.

[Hermione's current location at Cambridge Bay.]

FUNDRAISING FOR RNLI

As a member of the RNLI and with his deep love for watersports, it was always clear to him, that he would do some fundraising for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. More than 600 of those true heroes have lost their own lives over the years, while saving others.

HACKNEY QUEST

Young people and families from all over the Borough of Hackney in Northeast London have been supported by Hackney Quest since 1988. This charity provides long term projects for the benefit of young people (and families) at risk of social exclusion. The activities range from free workout sessions to mentoring, skills training, assistance with job search, and art projects, to name just a few.

When Stefan arrived in London, 18 years ago, he lived in this part of town and saw many of the issues, that Hackney Quest are addressing, from close proximity. When he moved to central London, he got closely involved in similar projects near his new home.

CANCER RESEARCH UK

The matter closest to Stefan's heart, is the one Cancer Research UK is affiliated with. In 2007, Stefan's mom, who has always been very close to him, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at an advanced stage. After successful treatment, the cancer has now been in remission for almost 12 years. Together with Stefan's dad, she lives a full, happy life in good health, despite her advanced age of 79 years. The couple still live in the same house where Stefan grew up, in a small town near the Bavarian Alps.

[This is relatively smooth sea. The waves can get a lot higher during the frequent storms.]

THE WORLD'S LARGEST INDEPENDENT CANCER CHARITY

As the world's largest independent cancer charity, there are few organisations who have done more to work on cures for cancer. Stefan donates on a monthly basis. As early as 1977, Cancer Research UK published pioneering research into non-Hodgkin lymphoma, that would change the game forever. There are currently several Cancer Research UK projects focused on finding more effective treatments for lymphoma. Even though Cancer Research UK is a UK charity, the research results are, of course, being made available to hospitals and scientists worldwide.

[Hermione being pulled towards the starting line at Pond Inlet a bit over one year ago.]

LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO RAISE £10,000 FOR CHARITY

Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference. It will help us reach our goal of £10,000. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.