Shropshire rowers splash out as they reach journey's end
An intrepid pair of rowers from Shropshire have arrived safe and sound in Barbados after a 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
Harry Martin-Dreyer and Alex Bland, both 27, have completed their Rowing 4 Research Challenge 50 days after setting out from Gran Canaria in a two-man boat.
The pair, who first met at Shrewsbury School, have smashed their target of £125,000, raising £138,000 for Birmingham based charity Cure Leukaemia and JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity.
They arrived in Barbados at about 10am on Saturday – about 2pm British time.
Family and friends travelled out to the Caribbean island to give the intrepid duo, who have negotiated treacherous waves, sores, blisters, extreme heat, exhaustion, boredom and sharks, a magnificent welcome. The rowers then enjoyed a well-earned meal, beer and rest.
Blogging from the Atlantic just before the finish line Alex said: "I think both of us are in agreement that this experience has challenged us in more ways than we could have ever imagined and the predominant sense of excitement that we now feel is combined with a great sense of relief.
"Relief that all the things that could have gone wrong have not and relief that, where numerous others have failed, we have succeeded."
Alex, who is originally from Cound, and Harry, from Lyneal, decided to take on the challenge while both working in London. Alex's brother Ross suffers from type 1 diabetes and they named their boat Alexandra, after Harry's mother who passed away from leukaemia last March, which is what inspired their choice of charities.
James McLaughlin, chief executive of Cure Leukaemia said: "We have the utmost admiration for Harry and Alex.Their drive and determination to complete this remarkable challenge is truly inspirational for "
Michael Connellan, of JDRF said: "Harry and Alex have proved themselves phenomenal fundraisers as well as athletes."
Visit their blog at rowing4research.com
