Posted on 8th Mar
Mansfield brothers-in-law George Nelson and Russ Davis are back on dry land at last after more than three months at sea, rowing unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean in a ‘tiny’ rowing boat to help people living with dementia.
They completed their 3,500-mile adventure, from Portugal to Antigua, on 7th March, after 98 days at sea, having set off on 1st December.
Known as Oar Blimey, the seafaring novices are raising money for two dementia charities — Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir and Ladybrook Enterprises for its Help at Hand project in Mansfield.
George and Russ were cheered home at Falmouth Harbour in Antigua by family and friends, who flew out to the Caribbean to greet them after their remarkable fundraising effort.
The duo twice capsized and were often hampered by unseasonal winds blowing ‘in the wrong direction’, as well a suffering equipment failure, but they also enjoyed many high points too, such as seeing a wide variety of wildlife.
“There were times we thought we would die out there,” George admitted. “It felt like anything on that boat that could break, did break, but we stuck at it.
“But the welcome when we finished was amazing. A boat with a huge Antigua flag came to guide us in, with massive millionaire’s superyachts sounding their horns.
“It felt like the whole island was out to meet us. We both just cried!”
Go to https://www.facebook.com/oarblimey to watch a Facebook Live video of them completing the marathon challenge.
To find out more about the rowing challenge or to help support the cause, visit https://oarblimey.co.uk where you can make a donation or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oarblimey
