University alumnus Lawrence Walters (Ship Science, 2014), along with his friend Tom Rainey (both 23), has completed a 93 day row across the Atlantic Ocean from New York and arriving in Salcombe, Devon earlier this week.
Their epic, non-stop and unsupported journey, which started on 3 May, saw them survive a deadly hurricane, monster waves, hallucinations and a brutal capsize.
The duo achieved a new World Record for the greatest distance covered in 24 hours by an ocean rowing boat; an astounding 112.5 nautical miles (129 miles). The second world record was achieved as the two oarsmen finished their challenge as they become the youngest team to ever complete the route.
The idea for the row came about when Tom decided to take on a challenge to honour the memory of his late father, Luke, who died from a Brain Tumour in 2012. In taking on the North Atlantic they have been raising funds for the Brain Tumour Charity, raising over £53,000 so far.
Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, said:
“Tom and Lawrence have put themselves through an extraordinary challenge to raise an incredible amount of money for us and for a cause they believe in passionately.”
You can read more about their journey on the University website and those wishing to support the team by making a donation can do so on Justgiving.