Rowing crew resume challenge after issue

Wim Stevenson, 28, a design and sales manager, and his three mates, had made an excellent start after leaving London on Friday, June 3.

After nine days they were just two hours off the Guinness World Record pace when disaster struck and their water maker failed.

With only enough fresh water to last less than two days, they were forced inland and came into Milford Haven on Sunday, June 12.

After repair attempts failed, the boys resolved to resume their row and have chosen to carry 120 litres of fresh water on their boat.

This extra weight will challenge them even more as they row two-on-two-off non-stop and they will need to stop to pick up more water en route.

“We were initially gutted when we realised we were no longer in contention for the Guinness World Record,” said crew member Fred Moore, 25.

“But after an hour of moping, we snapped out of that by reminding ourselves the world record was not the main or only reason for this challenge. We set out to raise awareness and funds for the Natalie Kate Moss Trust in tribute to our dear friend Natalie.”

The charity was set up in 2012 in honour of their close friend Natalie, who died suddenly, aged just 27, of a brain haemorrhage.

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RoughReadyRow