Mayo men rowing across Atlantic for Cancer Fund for Children

TWO men from Westport are preparing to take on one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world - rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World’s Toughest Row in December 2026.

Tom Bourke and Bryan Hyland, both from and based in Westport, made the decision to take on the challenge despite having no previous rowing experience.

What began as a simple phone call from Tom to Bryan has since grown into a full commitment, with the pair now training regularly on Clew Bay as they prepare for the crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.

At the heart of the challenge is a clear purpose: to help children’s cancer charity Cancer Fund for Children open the doors of Daisy Lodge Mayo, a new therapeutic short-break centre on the shores of Lough Corrib near Cong, which is set to welcome families next spring.

To mark the launch of the campaign, Tom and Bryan are inviting the Mayo community to a special launch event at The Tile Warehouse, Unit 1, Westport Industrial Park, Newport Road, Westport, on, Thursday, May 21, from 5.30 p.m.

The evening will offer people the chance to meet the team, see the boat, learn more about the challenge and hear how the campaign will support the Cancer Fund for Children.

Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Bryan for taking on such an extraordinary challenge to help open the doors of our second therapeutic short break centre in Cong. Their courage and determination to push beyond their limits reflect the very spirit of what this development is about, giving families facing childhood cancer the chance to rest, reconnect and find strength together.

“The Daisy Voyage is not just a remarkable physical feat, it’s a powerful act of kindness that will make a lasting difference to so many families across Ireland.”

The campaign, known as The Daisy Voyage, is already gaining strong local backing, with businesses and organisations across Westport and Mayo supporting the journey. Sponsors to date include The Tile Warehouse, Carrowholly Shellfish Ltd., The Wyatt Hotel, JFC Marine, Poplar Linen, Hastings Insurance, Crescent Seafoods, Elverys Intersport, Platt Reilly and JJ O’Malley’s.

Speaking about the challenge, Tom Bourke said: “We’re not trying to prove anything. We’re doing it to give something back, for children and families going through far tougher battles than us. We’ll just keep pulling the oars.”

Bryan Hyland added: “The training can be tough, but the reason behind it keeps us focused. If it helps even one family, it will all be worth it.”

With training underway on Clew Bay and momentum building locally, the challenge is quickly becoming a community effort, as supporters follow the journey from the west coast of Ireland to the Caribbean.

To follow the journey, visit Instagram or Facebook @daisy_voyage2026, or to learn more and support the campaign, visit thedaisyvoyage.com.