Whitehead man to take on 24-hour rowing challenge in aid of Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke
A Whitehead man who fell seriously ill five years ago with blood clots in his lungs is hoping to row once more into the record books – all while raising vital funds for charity.
Jason Greenwood will be participating in Music and Mind’s 24-hour fitness challenge in support of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS).
The event will take place at Whitehead Community Centre on Friday May 8, starting at 6pm and running right through until 6pm the following day.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come along and take part in the event to help raise vitals funds for NICHS as organiser, Noel McKee, explains: “There are few families in Northern Ireland that haven’t been affected by a chest, heart or stroke related illness. These aren’t illnesses that only affect older people, anyone of any age can be affected so it’s important to raise awareness of these conditions as well as funds, so NICHS can continue on with their vital care, prevention and research work.”
The challenge will have a static bike, a rowing machine and a treadmill, with organisers seeking volunteers to take on one-hour slots.
However, Jason is aiming to row for the full 24 hours with the hope of achieving a British or Irish distance record within his age group (50-59 years old).
Training journey
Explaining his motivation behind this monumental challenge Jason said: “I have been rowing for most of my adult life, but in 2021 I became seriously ill with pneumonia and life-threatening blood clots in both lungs, linked to COVID. Thankfully, I recovered but got another blood clot in my leg in early 2025. Determined to look after my health, I rebuilt my fitness through long indoor rowing sessions. That progress led me to gain an Irish record for rowing 100km and that got me thinking about taking on an even bigger challenge.
"I have been training hard - I recently rowed through the night to get a feeling for what it will be like on the day. I rowed for 14 hours from 6pm to 8am and I didn’t find it too bad. I listened to a podcast and an audiobook, and friend came and checked up on me in the early hours of the morning.”
Jason’s strategy for the day will be to row for 10km, take a few minutes’ break, get some food and water and get back on again. “The first few hours will probably be the hardest as it will feel like there is still so far to go but once I get into a rhythm it will be easier,” the local man added. “Also, the experience on the day will be different to my training as the other fitness challenge participants will be there. There will be camaraderie and especially during the night, into the morning hours, I think that will really help keep me going if things get tough. Members of Whitehead Costal Rowing club are planning on coming down to support me too which will be great.
"I’ll get into the zone and get through it. The most difficult thing will be the stiffness from being in that position for a long period of time. By the end I’ll doubt I’ll be able to stand up straight, but it will be worth it. Five years on from struggling to breathe simply taking on this challenge in support of NICHS feels like a victory. For me, rowing isn’t about winning or losing - it’s about giving your all.
“I hope the challenge highlights that and maybe inspires others to take steps towards supporting their own health and wellbeing more.”
Phenomenal feat
“We are all behind Jason as he takes on this phenomenal feat and we would love to have all the fitness challenge slots filled to keep him company throughout the duration,” Noel said.
"Not everybody needs to be going to the lengths Jason is but everyone’s contribution to the challenge is important.”
A slot costs £10 and all proceeds will go to NICHS. “We have 72 slots to fill so we are calling on the great local community of Whitehead to come along and join the fun! You can come and do one hour’s exercise; you can come and do two,” Noel added. “You can bring your friends, your partner, your family. You can fill the three bits of equipment with your family or friends and do it together. You can do one slot in the evening and another the next afternoon. You can walk on the treadmill; you can sit and have a chat on the static cycle.
"You don’t have to be super fit, just come along and try something different. It will be a relaxed, fun atmosphere, it’s just about coming together and doing what you can and raising awareness and funds for a great cause.
"We will be finishing up at 6pm on the Saturday and would encourage everyone who takes part to be there at the finale to cheer on the last participants and celebrate everyone’s achievements.”
If you would like to book a slot at the challenge, please visit https://www.picktime.com/home/24hrfitnesschallenge and if you would like to donate to Jason’s fundraiser, you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/page/jason-greenwood.
Valerie Saunders, NICHS Community Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to Noel, and everyone involved with Music and Mind for organising this fantastic event and continuing to support NICHS. Massive thanks also to Jason for taking on his extraordinary rowing challenge.”
“As Noel highlighted, so many people are affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions. Approximately 600,000 people across Northern Ireland are living with such illnesses but as almost 90 percent of our income comes from public donations, fundraising efforts like this are vital to the work we do and what we can achieve.”