Sean & Jonny - Team Changing Tides

From adversity to adventure: Two former Royal Marine Commandos will demonstrate the power of determination, resilience and support by rowing 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean together.

Sean and Jonny met when serving together in the Royal Marines, completing tours in Iraq and Northern Ireland. They were ‘oppos’ but after leaving the marines, lost touch due to the distance between their home towns. Twenty five years later, they reunited and discovered that their friendship was unchanged.

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The pair are passionate about mental health and resilience, touching on their own adversities to inspire others to push through their struggles. Being former Royal Marine Commandos and being open about their life experiences makes them an unstoppable duo.

Sean and Jonny's chosen charities are Care after Combat and The Samaritans, and they are committed to raising vital funds for these life-changing causes.

- Care after Combat ensures that no veteran faces their challenges alone, helping them to rebuild their lives with dignity and pride. Care after Combat is dedicated to supporting British Armed Forces personnel and their families, including those who are involved in the justice system.

- The Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide. Samaritans receives a call for help every 10 seconds, and every pound raised will help them be there for more people who are struggling to cope. The Samaritans of Dorset cover a large area with a very small team of volunteers, and must raise their own funds to support their local service.

“Because battles don’t end when the war does”

The Crew

Sean Phelps, Portland, UK

Sean is the youngest of 11 children and from Portland in Dorset. At the age of 16, he joined the Royal Marines and served for 7 years in both 45 and 40 commando. After the military, Sean went on to become a Prison Officer at HMP Portland and later trained to be a prison Physical Education Instructor (PEI).

Sean thrives on testing his limits and has been an ultra-marathon runner and completed multiple endurance challenges such as a 100k row and 350-mile 24 hour cycling. He is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and is a facilitator for a well-known support group, and an advocate for stoicism.

Jonny Towers, Rossendale, UK

James was born in Blackburn, UK and is an avid Blackburn Rovers fan. As a child, he loved the outdoors and always had a thirst for adventure. Jonny decided to sign up for the Royal Marines aged just 17 which took him all over the world.

A joiner by trade, Jonny later turned his hand to roofing and all aspects of construction. He runs his own successful business. Throughout his life, Jonny has maintained a high level of fitness, particularly keen on swimming, water sports and cycling. He has completed many endurance challenges, with this being the toughest yet.

By embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth and change, Sean and Jonny will make a difference to those who need it. The journey from adversity to adventure is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.