ROWING CREWS COMPLETE ATLANTIC CHALLENGE
Two trans-Atlantic boat crews supporting the Matt Hampson Foundation have reached dry land at the end of their 3,000-mile quest.
The World’s Toughest Row started in the Canary Islands on 14th December and crews spent Christmas and New Year at sea on the way to the finish in Antigua.
Foundation trustee Julian Evans was part of the four-man Seaslife crew who completed the trip on 21st January in a time of 38 days and 4 hours to place ninth overall in the event.
“It is an unbelievable journey, an unforgettable finish and our team gave everything from start to finish,” said Julian. “I could not be prouder of the crew.”
Photo gallery, courtesy of The World’s Toughest Row
After a family reunion in the Caribbean, Julian headed home and just a couple of days later he visited the Get Busy Living Centre near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire where the Foundation has its base for supporting young people following life-changing injury in sport.
Father-and-son Greg and Elliot Collins, who are also long-term Foundation supporters, were part of a four-man team named Get Busy Rowing and they rowed into Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua after 45 days and 9 hours at sea, finishing in 30th position.
The arrival of each team was broadcast live on the World’s Toughest Row channel on YouTube, allowing them to share the climax of their epic journey.
Acknowledging a ‘mission four years in the making’, Greg thanked supporters in a video as the team approached the finish line, saying: “The messages of support mean so much to us. This has been an enormous challenge. It has tested the very depths of resilience we have physically and emotionally and to have support has been amazing.”
You can find out more about the crews and still support their fundraising using these links
