Worcester Buoys complete gruelling World's Toughest Row

Matt Bladen and George Farmiloe - known as the Worcester Buoys - arrived in Antigua after sailing 3000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean yesterday morning (Tuesday).

PROUD: The pair spent 40 days at sea. (Image: Worlds Toughest Row)The two took part in the incredible rowing challenge to raise money for Acorns Hospice, which looked after Jack Dyer, whose family lived next door to Mr Bladen in Claines.

Jack died in November 2020 at age 16.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Across the 40 days at sea, the team faced seven-metre waves, damaged safety equipment and seasickness.

The two with their certificate. (Image: Worlds Toughest Row)But with the lows, the two said they have also experienced highs and saw pods of whales, dolphins and bioluminescence in the water.

The pair kept friends, family and followers up to date on their Facebook page, with the most recent post celebrating their achievement.

The pair rowing the final stretch. (Image: Worlds Toughest Row)They wrote: "40 days, 16 hours and 20 minutes later…. the buoys have landed in Antigua.

"It marked the end of their insane journey, rowing 3000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean.

"Rowing relentlessly in shifts of just two hours on and two hours off, it's been a long 40 days out at sea, and the journey has not been an easy one.

WELL DONE: Worcester Buoys (Image: Worlds Toughest Row)"The buoys have faced broken oar gates, damaged safety equipment, mouldy chocolate bars, seasickness and some of the worst conditions the challenge has ever seen.

"But still, they've powered through, keeping positive and bringing the infectious energy they're known for every step of the way.

"And, of course, with the lows come immense highs - they spotted pods of whales, dolphins and incredible bioluminescence in the water. The sunrises, sunsets and moonrises were also sights that you just don't get to see anywhere else.

COMPLETE: Worcester Buoys celebrate. (Image: Worlds Toughest Row)"But, what got them up in the middle of the night to battle yet another shift of seven-metre waves, force eight storms or 30-degree heat, was the knowledge that they were rowing for a fantastic cause - Acorns Children's Hospice.

"The buoys chose Acorns after a close family friend, Jack Dyer, died in 2020. Jack was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after both, and Acorns offered indispensable care to Jack and his family, as they do to many children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions around the Worcestershire area."

The fundraiser is currently on £78,602 - at the time of writing.