Thousands of pounds raised for charity after North Atlantic row
Giles Johnson, from Somerset, and Matthew Ponsonby from London arrived back in the UK earlier this week after their epic challenge
Two British men - including one from Somerset - have completed an incredible row across the North Atlantic Ocean, raising thousands of pounds for several charities and potentially breaking a world record.
Back on June 22, 60-year-old Giles Johnson, from Drayton, and his rowing partner Matthew Ponsonby from London set off in their boat, Hurricane, from St John's in Newfoundland, Canada.
After battling the elements, and at one point finding themselves rowing in a circle in the middle of the ocean, they finally ended up in Dingle, Co Kerry, on the West Coast of Ireland an epic 36 days, 11 hours and 30 minutes later.
They travelled a total of more than 1700 nautical miles - spotting giant icebergs, awe-inspiring sunsets and sea life on their awesome journey.
They are now eagerly awaiting confirmation of whether their time has beaten the world record for rowing West to East – and whether at a combined age of 117 years, they are the oldest two-man crew to do so.
Despite the physical trials of the journey - and surviving on unusual food combinations, including Babybel cheese on Ginger Nut biscuits - Giles said the real challenge was ‘in the mind rather than the body’.
Giles, from Somerset, added: “We looked after each other very carefully. We had truth and reconciliation conversations so that any gripes couldn't grow!"
The vital funds the pair have raised will be split between several causes. This includes national charity Headway – the brain injury association, which helps people rebuild their lives after brain injury.
At time of writing, Giles, who was rowing in tribute to a friend who sustained a brain injury, has raised over £15,000 for Headway, The Marine Conservation Society and DDX3X, a charity who support research into DDX3X Syndrome. Matthew is also fundraising for Great Ormand Street Hospital.
Giles told Greatest Hits Radio: "Overall, the trip was amazing. To be in the vastness, on your own, with nothing else apart from your own thoughts - it was extraordinary."
Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising at Headway – the brain injury association, said: "We're delighted to see the pair return home to dry land and have been intently following them on their journey over the last month. Checking their progress has become part of our daily morning routine.
"In the time it's taken them to row across the Atlantic, around 35,000 people have been admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury. It can happen to anyone at any time and can be caused by things including falls, road traffic collisions and strokes.
Most of those affected will need support following their brain injury, and with hundreds of calls each month to our free nurse-led helpline and over 2,500 website visitors a day seeking information, it's our passion at Headway to be the first port of call for those in need of help and support.”
Giles's wife, Lucy Johnson, followed the pair for the duration, keeping family and friends updated along the way. She said: "I'm just hugely relieved that they are back on dry land.
"The last few days were especially nail-biting as the wind was picking up, and we were aware they were rowing through very big seas. I’m so proud of both of them.”
During their self-funded row, Giles and Matthew received land support from friend and experienced sailor Charlie Pitcher, who also designed and built their boat Hurricane.
Further encouragement came in the form of a specially recorded video message from double-Olympic gold medallist rower James Cracknell OBE. James is Vice President of Headway – the brain injury association and knows all about the challenges of a transatlantic row having completed the gruelling feat in 2006.
Jen concluded: “Our congratulations and heartfelt thanks go to Giles for his phenomenal effort. It will significantly impact people affected by brain injury throughout the UK, and for that, we're incredibly grateful."
"It has been such an adventure following this story and we're certain the efforts of Giles and Matthew will inspire fundraisers for years to come."
To support the fundraising appeal, please visit Giles's page here.
Read more: Somerset man to tackle epic rowing challenge for brain injury charity