Meet Kyle Meredith, a red-headed adventurer whose spirit is as vibrant as his African Sunset—or OARburn—hair. Redheads like Kyle make up only 1-2% of the global population, and as unique as his genetic makeup, Kyle is on an equally unique mission that goes beyond the horizon—a solo, non-stop and unsupported crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, from mainland Africa to mainland North America. Something no one has ever done before!
But Kyle's journey isn't just about conquering the vast ocean; it's a profound quest with a purpose. Did you know that redheads, due to a genetic variant in the Melanocortin-1 Receptor (MC1R), are ten times more likely to develop skin cancer? Kyle's personal connection to this issue runs deep. In 2020, during the first national COVID-19 lockdown, Granddad Michael was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma, a battle he tragically lost just two weeks later.
In honor of Granddad Michael, Kyle is undertaking a colossal challenge, an independent, solo, unsupported and non-stop 4000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean. This extraordinary journey is not just about physical endurance; it's a mission to raise vital awareness for skin cancer and national education schemes to increase knowledge and early detection.
The numbers behind skin cancer are staggering; 15,400 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year in the UK alone, and Kyle's row is a symbolic push against these statistics, a call to action to prioritize early detection and professional support. If Kyle can row for between 12-18 hours per day for an estimated four months and demonstrate what he calls, "sun-sensibility,” then what excuse do we all have not to be doing the same?
Rowing across the Atlantic solo is a feat few have achieved; more people have been into space or have summited Everest than have rowed across this vast expanse of ocean alone. Join Kyle as he embarks on this incredible journey, not just for personal glory but also to make waves in the fight against skin cancer. Follow his adventure (@TheOARburnRower) to be inspired and contribute to the cause that fuels his determination, a world where early detection saves lives, and memories of loved ones are not lost to this silent enemy.
Fast Facts:
· Is a licensed solo skydiver
· Is an avid alpine skier and dedicated outdoor explorer
· Has two loyal canine companions
· Is a seasoned runner and has participated in numerous half and full marathons
Mustang Survival Go-To Pieces:
