For rower Kyle Wills every stroke forward comes with pain, but that discomfort serves as a reminder of why he’s on the water.
“Back in 2024 my best friend who I had grown up with for the last 30 years was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, which is a cancerous brain tumour, “said Wills. “I just thought what better time to raise awareness and raise money for a cause like that.”
Wills is preparing to row across the Atlantic Ocean, alone and unsure when the next wave will hit - a reality for those fighting a brain tumour.
“A lot of our community members face overwhelming odds, and they have to demonstrate resilience and determination day to day,” said Nicole Farrell, CEO of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Wills, originally from London, will row 4,800 kilometers from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
“I just had that gut feeling of this is the next thing,” explained Wills. “This is what you need to do.”
The money raised will go towards the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Toronto’s SickKids hospital.
“Every child should have the opportunity to have a healthy, carefree childhood, have fun with their friends, explore the world in ways that I got to,” said Wills.
“It allows us to find research grants and educational words that are really our goal with those are to find a cure so that nobody needs to face this disease,” said Farrell.
The journey is part of the World’s Toughest Row Atlantic Ocean Challenge, beginning on Dec. 12, 2026.
“I just took the leap and leapt into it,” said Wills.
