Raising money for mental health support for military personnel Credit: Instagram/James_Priestley_
A British resident in Mallorca is preparing for a gruelling 12-hour rowing challenge that could see him break a Guinness World Records title while raising money for mental health support for military personnel, veterans and their families.
James Priestley, who moved to Mallorca just over two years ago, will attempt to row at least 153 kilometres on an indoor rowing machine on Saturday, October 3.
The challenge will take place at his new gym in Port d’Andratx, where he hopes to attract support from the local community as he attempts to complete a record-breaking endurance feat.
From SAS to rowing machine
Priestley is no stranger to extreme challenges. Originally from Leeds and Bradford, he previously worked in the property sector before entering Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, which he won in 2020.
His latest challenge is particularly significant because it is an attempt to complete something he previously had to abandon.
In 2021, Priestley attempted the same 12-hour rowing challenge in Leeds. However, after nine hours and 45 minutes, an injury forced him to stop. The injury eventually required surgery.
Five years later, he has decided to try again, this time from Mallorca.
The current men’s record for the longest distance rowed on a Concept2 indoor rowing machine in 12 hours stands at 152.869 kilometres, meaning Priestley needs to exceed that distance to claim the title.
A challenge with a purpose
The attempt is not simply about setting a new sporting record.
Priestley co-founded VÕS HELP, a mental health support service aimed at serving military personnel, veterans, their families and anyone who needs someone to talk to.
The service connects users with trained counsellors and aims to reduce the time people have to wait before accessing support.
Priestley says the October challenge aims to raise enough money to fund 1,000 free mental health support calls.
He says each call costs around £20 through the service, compared with a significantly higher typical cost for professional support.
The organisation currently has around 1,000 counsellors and volunteers involved, according to Priestley.
Port d’Andratx community gym
The rowing attempt will also showcase Priestley’s new Port d’Andratx gym, which has been created with local residents in mind.
Rather than focusing solely on seasonal visitors, the facility is intended to operate throughout the year and provide a community-focused space offering personal training and fitness facilities.
The gym will be open to the public during the record attempt, with a second rowing machine positioned alongside Priestley.
That means members of the public will be able to join the challenge by rowing alongside him for part of the 12-hour effort.
The mayor of Andratx is also expected to attend during the final hour.
Two records in one day
Priestley is not stopping at the 12-hour target.
He also plans to attempt the eight-hour distance record during the same challenge, before continuing towards the 12-hour mark.
The former SAS winner admits the physical demands will be considerable, particularly because he does not have the physique or specialist rowing background of elite indoor rowers.
However, he believes the mental resilience developed during his time on SAS: Who Dares Wins could help him push through the toughest stages.
The challenge will begin at 7am on October 3 and continue until 7pm.
People wanting to support the fundraising effort can donate through VÕS HELP or visit the Port d’Andratx gym, where QR codes will be available during the event.
