Love Rowing

The Big Row Hike Row

Ben Gallagher

Ben Gallagher

My Story

3 Challenges, 3 Nations, 3 Days

Hi, I’m Ben Gallagher – former Special Forces soldier, para rower, and proud Ambassador for Love Rowing.

From 22nd–24th September 2025, I’m taking on one of my toughest physical and mental challenges yet: Rowing the 3 largest lakes and climbing the nearest highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales – all in just 3 days.

I’ll be raising money for Love Rowing, British Rowing’s charitable foundation, to fund inclusive and accessible rowing programmes across the UK. This is a cause incredibly close to my heart.

Why I’m Doing This

In 2019, I suffered life-changing injuries while serving in the British Army. I was shot multiple times and suffered serious blast/fragmentation injuries to my upper torso and both arms. That could’ve ended everything.

But through resilience, stubbornness (in the best way), and support, I found a new purpose through rowing.

I started with a rowing machine during my rehabilitation, and that first pull led me all the way to Team UK at the Invictus Games, winning gold and eventually breaking national records before becoming British, European and World Indoor Rowing Champion and part of the British Rowing World Class Paralympic Programme. Rowing didn’t just help me rebuild physically – it transformed my outlook and mental health.

Now, I want others to experience that same transformation. 

The Challenge

Here’s what I’ll take on over 3 epic days:

Scotland – 22 Sept

🔹 Row 36.3km across Loch Ness
🔹 Summit Meall Fuar-mhonaidh (699m)

England – 23 Sept

🔹 Row 18.08km across Lake Windermere
🔹 Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe (873m)

Wales – 24 Sept

🔹 Row 6km across Llyn Tegid
🔹 Climb Aran Fawddwy (906m)
🔹 Finish with one final row before sunset

That is a total distance of approximately 114.96kms.

💛 How You Can Help

Please sponsor me and support Love Rowing’s mission to open the sport for people who face barriers to participate in rowing including wounded, injured and sick veterans and disabled people.

Your donation – big or small – will go directly towards funding rowing opportunities that change lives.

👉 Click the donate button to support the challenge
👉 Share this page and spread the word
👉 Follow the journey @loverowing_brcf and @bengallagher.gbr - #TheBigRow2025

Let’s row, hike, and climb for impact.

Thank you so much for your support,
Ben

 

37%

Funded

  • Target
    £10K
  • Raised so far
    £3,706
  • Number of donors
    52

My Story

3 Challenges, 3 Nations, 3 Days

Hi, I’m Ben Gallagher – former Special Forces soldier, para rower, and proud Ambassador for Love Rowing.

From 22nd–24th September 2025, I’m taking on one of my toughest physical and mental challenges yet: Rowing the 3 largest lakes and climbing the nearest highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales – all in just 3 days.

I’ll be raising money for Love Rowing, British Rowing’s charitable foundation, to fund inclusive and accessible rowing programmes across the UK. This is a cause incredibly close to my heart.

Why I’m Doing This

In 2019, I suffered life-changing injuries while serving in the British Army. I was shot multiple times and suffered serious blast/fragmentation injuries to my upper torso and both arms. That could’ve ended everything.

But through resilience, stubbornness (in the best way), and support, I found a new purpose through rowing.

I started with a rowing machine during my rehabilitation, and that first pull led me all the way to Team UK at the Invictus Games, winning gold and eventually breaking national records before becoming British, European and World Indoor Rowing Champion and part of the British Rowing World Class Paralympic Programme. Rowing didn’t just help me rebuild physically – it transformed my outlook and mental health.

Now, I want others to experience that same transformation. 

The Challenge

Here’s what I’ll take on over 3 epic days:

Scotland – 22 Sept

🔹 Row 36.3km across Loch Ness
🔹 Summit Meall Fuar-mhonaidh (699m)

England – 23 Sept

🔹 Row 18.08km across Lake Windermere
🔹 Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe (873m)

Wales – 24 Sept

🔹 Row 6km across Llyn Tegid
🔹 Climb Aran Fawddwy (906m)
🔹 Finish with one final row before sunset

That is a total distance of approximately 114.96kms.

💛 How You Can Help

Please sponsor me and support Love Rowing’s mission to open the sport for people who face barriers to participate in rowing including wounded, injured and sick veterans and disabled people.

Your donation – big or small – will go directly towards funding rowing opportunities that change lives.

👉 Click the donate button to support the challenge
👉 Share this page and spread the word
👉 Follow the journey @loverowing_brcf and @bengallagher.gbr - #TheBigRow2025

Let’s row, hike, and climb for impact.

Thank you so much for your support,
Ben

 

Ben Gallagher is fundraising towards