Praxis employee breaks world record for 24-hour solo indoor row

Simon Johns from our Guernsey office has broken the world record for distance completed in a 24-hour solo indoor row.

Sponsored by Praxis Simon rowed 302.515km breaking the world record by an astonishing 22km and two hours.

The event took place on 13 and 14 November 2021 and proceeds raised for the challenge are being donated to Simon's chosen charities; Bright Tights and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF)both charities local to his home in Guernsey. So far Simon has raised over 16000. You can still donate to Simon's charities.

In the lead up to the challenge Simon also received support from three times world touring car champion and co-founder of the PPBF Andy Priaulx.

For the gruelling challenge the previous world record for the men's 40-49 lightweight from 2006 stood at 280.541km. By comparison Sheffield to central London is 255km.

The previous British record for the men's 40-49 lightweight stood at 234.039km. This roughly equates to rowing the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race 34 times. Simon covered the distance 302.515km the equivalent of Brighton to Paris on foot.

Simon is an accomplished rower; he is one half of the current world record and British record holding team for the 24-hour tandem men's 30-39 years lightweight category. Talking about his world record achievement Simon Johns said: Rowing 24 hours continuously at such a demanding pace is the toughest physical event I've ever done both mentally and physically. I couldn't have achieved this without the support from Praxis other corporate support sponsors the support rowers alongside me my pit crew and the overwhelming community support I received. I can't thank everyone who has donated to the fundraising page enough.

I've had my eye on this challenge for ten years after a previous charity row event of 100km back in 2011 but COVID restrictions encouraged me to take it on. I've been specifically training for this since the first lockdown in early 2020 and in that time I've rowed 7.5 million metres further than London to Miami.

I chose to do this in support of Bright Tights and PPBF is because the families of two very close friends who I took up rowing with back in 2006 have benefitted from the great work these organisations do. I've seen first-hand how our local community relies on the work and support that these charities provide.

Robert Fearis Chief Executive Officer of Praxis said: We are so proud of Simon and his achievement. Rowing 24 hours is no easy feat and to do so while attempting to break a world record and raise money for charity is commendable. Our staff at Praxis enjoyed supporting their colleague throughout those 24 hours. Charities like the PPBF and Bright Tights rely on the support of residents and the business communities in Guernsey so we are happy to be backing Simon. The money Simon raises as he attempts to break the world record will enable more people to receive the essential support and services of these.