Secamb paramedic to row around British Isles

A paramedic will be attempting to row 2,070 miles (3,331km) around the British Isles, and collecting valuable information about the sea on the way.

Kit Nelson, 26, who is based at the South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) station in Chertsey, Surrey, is part of a Nautilus team of six tackling the GB Row Challenge.

The team will also be gathering research which aims to help preserve marine environments and wildlife as they carry out the challenge.

Nelson, who had no previous rowing experience before signing up, said: "This is very much a leap into the deep end when it comes to endurance challenges."

The team will set off from Tower Bridge on 14 June and will aim to finish at the same point.

Four out of the six people in his team had never touched an oar before agreeing to take part, Nelson added.

The group will be gathering information on microplastics, environmental DNA and water temperature, which will later be processed by the University of Portsmouth.

A similar study carried out by the university and GB Row Challenge in 2025 found that UK seas were, on average, 0.39C warmer in 2023 compared with 2022.

Nelson said: "The scientific data we'll be collecting adds another really important dimension to the challenge – one that will hopefully have a lasting impact long after the row is over."

The 26-year-old said he had enjoyed learning new skills for the challenge, such as sea survival and first aid at sea, alongside training in navigation, maritime law, and tidal conditions.

"Hopefully, knowing that I'm capable of getting through the pain, the harsh conditions, and the constant monotonous rocking of the waves will give me a huge sense of achievement by the end," he said.

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