Nude Athletes to Row Across the Atlantic for Charity?

I challenge any of our NBA babes or tennis studs to try this…forget fundraising via the usual avenue of celebrity golf-soccer-tennis-whatever and take note of these mighty-mighty fine men…. Two babes from London-Rich Hume and Tom Barnes- are going to take part in ‘The Atlantic Rowing Race’ from the Canary Islands to Antigua…a total of 2,500 nautical miles…to raise money for charity.

The pair will start rowing in November and spend more than two months at sea to help their good friend-James Downie (bottom right)-who is suffering from Ataxia, an incurable neurological condition that has left him in a wheelchair. “As a child, I had 93% curvature of the spine and was told I would not play sports for the foreseeable future,” said Downie “In my own life I’ve shown that with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything.”

Hume and Barnes plan to spend most of their time totally naked to cut down on the chafing caused by clothes rubbing against their skin…sounds like a damn good idea to me…the boys are hoping to raise at least £100,000 to fund vital services and research into the condition. “James and I grew up together so I know how serious ataxia is,” said Barnes, “By taking on this massive challenge we hope to raise awareness and money to help find a cure for the condition…crossing the Atlantic is a lifelong dream of mine, and I’m so pleased we can do this in aid of Ataxia UK.”

Take note ladies-Rich is a personal trainer and was ranked among the top ten in the world at the Triple Iron Man triathlon race in 2008- and both naked rowers have received the backing of England and West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green (above). “I cannot begin to imagine the physical and mental strain Rich and Tom will endure during this challenge,” he said “I wish them both the best of luck.” For more info on soccer stud Robert Green, check out his involvement with raising AIDS awareness in Africa via the Global Giving Projects.

To find out more, sponsor the pair, keep track of their progress or to be the official sunscreen application girl along the route, please visit RowingtheAtlantic.com.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com