Man rowing up East Coast for good cause

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One man says it’s his mission to row from Miami to New York City all in the name of a good cause.

Lewis Colam is rowing more than 1,400 miles to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research. The catch? Colam had never rowed more than two miles before his trip.

“I guess I chose rowing because it’s the one thing I’ve never done before,” said Colam. “I’m pretty sure I could walk, and I knew I could run and cycle, but I never tried rowing, so I thought if I was going to do a fundraiser I should rechallenge myself by doing something I’ve never done before.”

Colam started his trip 45 days ago from Florida. He says making it to Wilmington is a big deal because that means he’s more than halfway there.

“It’s a bit of a celebration arriving in Wilmington because it’s 800 miles into the journey so a bit of a milestone for me,” said Colam.

Aside from raising awareness, Colam has been able to experience a new culture at every stop. The Englishman says it’s a trip of a lifetime.

“I’m getting the chance to see a beautiful country,” said Colam. “America is very exciting. The Southern states in particular have a nice, distinct cultural feel. They’re very hospitable here to the idea of adventure and challenge.”

To learn more about the trip, track Colam’s progress in real time or make a donation to the cause, visit his website at www.iamfinechallenge.org.