Teesside McDonald's owner to tackle world's toughest rowing challenge

Dean Fitzmaurice, who owns three restaurants in Teesside, is joining forces with Matt Pitchforth, a franchisee from Yorkshire, in an attempt to raise £1 million for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The owner of the Linthorpe Road, Leisure Park and Cambridge Road stores will be part of a four-man team, named Team Graft, rowing 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean in the 'World's Toughest Row' challenge.

The race will see them face sleep deprivation, salt sores, weight loss, adverse weather conditions, and even the possibility of spotting a shark.

Mr Fitzmaurice said: "We will be taking on the mental and physical challenges of the World's Toughest Row in December, aiming to raise awareness and hopefully £1 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

"This will be the biggest challenge any McDonald's Franchisee has undertaken in half a century."

(Image: JAMIE_LANGFORD) Also discussing the charity they are raising money for, Mr Fitzmaurice added: "Ronald McDonald House Charities UK (RMHC) do an amazing job for families across the UK.

"It’s an unimaginable time having your children in hospital, and the charity helps ease that burden.

"Whether short-term or long-term, the 14 RMHC Houses provide free 'home away from home' accommodation for the entire family, giving them a warm and comfortable place to rest, eat, and relax, just moments away from their child’s hospital ward."

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(Image: McDonald's) To prepare for the race, Mr Fitzmaurice and his team will undergo intense training, including North Sea rows, daily gym sessions, and a strict diet.

They are also focusing on a large fundraising push to meet their target.

Dean, a former army combat medical technician and corporate security professional, opened his first McDonald's franchise in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, in August 2020.

He said: "I have always had an association with Teesside and Middlesbrough, living in Yarm for the past five years and visiting to watch Boro at The Riverside Stadium back in the 90s.

"We love being part of the Boro community and help wherever we can."

Donations to their cause can be made via their JustGiving page, Team Graft.