Kent man tackles Atlantic row in memory of his wife

Darren Smith, along with teammates Pete Ross, Neil Glover and Nick Southwood will attempt to row 3,200 miles across the Atlantic for charity in January next year.

Despite having never rowed before, Darren from Chatham, Kent along with his teammates will attempt the ‘Atlantic Dash’ from Lanzarote to Antigua, taking around 8 weeks. This gruelling challenge will see them row for 24 hours a day, face 20ft high waves, as well as seasickness, sleep deprivation and sores.

Darren, who manages a construction company, decided to take on the challenge in memory of his wife Jenny. He wants to raise £50,000 to support the work of the Coma and Disorders of Consciousness Research (CDoC) Centre at Cardiff University. The CDoC Centre conducts research into the ethical and legal aspects of decision making and care for people in prolonged disorders of consciousness, as well as providing invaluable support and advice for families.

In 2019, Darren’s wife Jenny collapsed. She was rushed to hospital and a scan revealed a brain tumour. She underwent a 10-hour surgery to remove the tumour, but suffered a severe brain injury which left her in coma she would never wake up from.

For 18 months Jenny was cared for in hospital, Darren and family by her bedside. After many clinical tests and assessments, it became clear she would never again have a life she would have valued for herself.

Darren says “It was very traumatic watching her trapped in this condition. She was blind, deaf, kept alive by machines. Knowing Jenny, this would have been her worst nightmare. There seemed like no way out for her.”

He then discovered that there were legal and ethical processes that could help guide robust decision-making about medical treatment, ensuring Jenny's own wishes were respected.

“After the medical team reviewed Jenny’s clinical condition, and fully discussed things with us, a decision was made to focus on palliative and end-of-life care. Life-sustaining interventions were withdrawn, and Jenny was allowed to die a peaceful death. I am very grateful that this was an option for her.

“What we went through was unbearable, but I really want to help other families in a similar situation to know there is help available, so they don’t have to go through what we did. The CDoC Centre have helped change how decisions for patients with catastrophic brain injuries are approached by clinical teams and by the law, and provide support for families at the worst of times. I’m so proud to support their work in memory of my wife.”

Professor Jenny Kitzinger, Co-Director of the CDoC Centre says “We're very grateful Darren has decided to take on this challenge to raise awareness about this issue and to support our work. Donations will help us continue to do research in this complex area, help improve policy and practice, and try to ensure families have the information and support they need when contributing to heart-breaking decisions about their loved one's care. I wish Darren every luck with the row and can't wait to cheer him and the team over the finish line.”

Along with best mate Pete, and teammates Neil and Nick, Darren is preparing for the epic challenge ahead. They recently took delivery of a Rannoch R45 ocean rowing boat and have been training by rowing around Burnham-on-Crouch.

Darren, who has only recently learnt to row said “I’m going into this challenge with the strength to know that we’re going to achieve it. With everything I went through with Jenny, I know I’ve got the ability to endure and push myself mentally.”

Darren is aiming to raise £50,000 and has already seen donations from friends, family and strangers moved by his family’s story. “I want to thank each and every person who’s shared and donated so far. I’ve been blown away by everyone’s generosity and really touched to hear from other families that have been through similar experiences.”

Darren and the team’s Atlantic Dash challenge will start on 23 January 2025 from Lanzarote. You can support Darren’s fundraising through his JustGiving page.