Rower 3: Tom Wigram
Age: 30
Education: King’s College NZ (1994-1995) Blundells UK (1992-1994)
Nickname: Dora the Explorer
Key strengths: construction/building, rock steady temperament
Interests: No.8 wire; rugby, fishing (1 snapper in 2 years)
Work: Apprentice Builder for Lindesay Construction
Most likely to…discover new forms of sea life through his natural propensity to ‘explore’.
Born in Cardiff and brought up in Devon, England Tom grew up in a small town called Bovey Tracey. He attended Wolborough Hill and Blundells schools and whilst the academic side of things took something of a back seat he excelled on the sportsfield. Highlights included representing Devon at rugby and winning the Devon Cup for Newton Abbot RFC in 2004.
During His ‘colourful’ schooldays Tom spent a brief spell out in New Zealand at King’s College between 1994-1995 and this is where his love affair with New Zealand was born. His other long standing love affair has been with Rebecca, and back in 2004 they both decided to up sticks and set sail for a new and exciting life in New Zealand.
After 11 years of courting Tom finally came to his senses and so it was in June 2007 Tom and Bex became Mr & Mrs Wigram.
Tom is currently in the first year of his building apprenticeship in Auckland, so when he’s not got his nose in maritime books there’s an outside chance he’ll be ploughing his way through his BCITO books!
Like the rest of the crew Tom has limited ocean rowing experience but what he lacks in experience he makes up for in determination – surely to be a big player in the engine room of the boat. In addition his cool calm (almost horizontal…and I’m not talking about when he’s asleep) temperament and never say die attitude will be crucial attributes when the heat is on. That said he also has a tendency to be late so all eyes will be on him to ensure he doesn’t miss his shift!
