Boat number 21, 21 years ago, 21st June ( the longest day) all seemed to line up too well.

21 years ago I rowed the Atlantic with Peter Hogden in the boat we built called Hospiscare. That was part of the world's first ever ocean rowing race. It took 58 days to cover the 3000 miles.

I "retired" from rowing for a few years ( 10 ) but recently decided to have another go, I soon remembered the reasons I stopped. Backache mainly, due to trying to go fast...  so re-thinking I opted to go for slow rowing ..  MUCH less load on my back but far more boring..  apparently it is good for weight loss too!!

With a target in mind, to help focus the training, and finding out that my rowing technique is still there, I started looking for a test.....  the world record for a 24 hour "ultra endurance" event soon became the obvious choice.

The old world record is 278,229 meters ( set in 2014 ) for the HWT 50-59 Men age group. I am not underestimating the challenge but believe I can go further. AND I DID  279242m !! which has now been officially recognised.

https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/racing/records/ultra-distance/world/24-hours

I have set an ambitious target for fundraising but this is by far the toughest thing I have attempted to date.. even a 5 minute break will break the schedule, it really does have to be non stop to have any chance . 

It WAS NICE to come away with a world record but even better to raise a lot of money for Hospiscare and all the great work they do. I WAS asking for sponsorship for the "attempt" , if I don't break the record it will not be from a lack of effort,,,  quite a lot of sweat and I suspect a few tears.( "it could get emotional" as they say :) )  so please support me as much as you can. HAVING GONE THROUGH THE FULL 24 HOURS AND SET A NEW RECORD , I HAVE DONE MY BIT , SO PLEASE DIG DEEP.

My colleagues at Vodafone are all helping me to raise sponsorship and we will be looking to the Vodafone Foundation matched funding scheme to boost your donations, so that will be a great boost. UPDATE   The Vodafone Foundation have matched £2046  bring my total to £4092 raised for Hospiscare.

Thanks for participating and supporting Hospiscare.

Neil