Merseyside nurse rows 47 days across the Atlantic for Claire House Children’s Hospice

A local nurse from Crosby has achieved an extraordinary feat by rowing across the Atlantic Ocean as part of a 10-person crew, all in aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Damian McCafferty, 45, set off from Tenerife on December 1, 2024, and reached Antigua almost 50 days later, on January 17, 2025 in a bid to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Rowing 12 hours a day for 47 consecutive days, Damian braved epic storms, scorching sun, and strong winds in one of the most physically and mentally challenging experiences of his life.

The mental health nurse has fundraised for Claire House for several years.

Damian McCafferty said:

“Nothing would have stopped me from being on that boat and rowing across the ocean for Claire House. It was so physically and mentally tough but thinking about all the children that Claire House cares for kept me going.

“More people have scaled Everest than rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, so it was no small undertaking. We rowed through epic storms, unbearable sunshine and strong winds, but we all kept going together. I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife Avni now, who was there to meet me at the end.”

Claire House is the local children’s hospice for Liverpool, Wirral, Cheshire and beyond, caring for seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults, either in the Wirral hospice, at its West Derby site, on hospital wards or in the community.

Event Fundraiser Mark Pearson said:

“It’s incredible that Damian has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean for Claire House. I’m pretty sure no one has ever done that before for the hospice. 

“Damian has supported us for many years, doing incredible challenges, but surely nothing can top this! Claire House only exists because of amazing people like Damian, and we are so grateful to him for his unbelievable support. If you can do, please donate to his incredible row.”

So far, the former soldier has raised more than £12,400 as part of his Atlantic Row Challenge.

Damian, who trained as a mental health nurse after leaving the army, continued: “It was an amazing feeling, rowing into Antigua, knowing that the end was in sight. And it was really special having the Claire House logo on the side of the boat too.”

You can support Damian’s Atlantic Ocean Row by donating at www.clairehouse.org.uk/donate/ and referencing ‘Atlantic Row’.

Find out more on charities across Liverpool City Region here.