Two Lincoln village rowers have completed a 3,000 mile Atlantic rowing challenge, becoming the youngest pair ever to complete the feat.
Luke Birch, from Doddington near Lincoln and best friend Jamie Sparks (both 21) began their world-record breaking journey on December 4, 2013, from La Gomera in the Canaries, and arrived at the finish line in Antigua after 54 days 5 hours and 56 minutes at sea.
‘2 Boys in a Boat‘, as they named themselves, finished 5th overall and second in the pairs, managing to raise almost £200,000 for Breast Cancer Care, and still rising.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so on the boys’ JustGiving page now.
The pair became the youngest rowers ever to complete the challenge. Photo: Atlantic Challenge
The pair said the cause was close to both their hearts and Luke’s mother and grandmother have both battled breast cancer.
The challenge was completed in shifts of 2 hours on, two hours off with the two rowers burning around 10,000 calories a day. Their journey saw them battle 40ft waves, storms, seasickness and technical problems, including a broken Autohelm.
On arriving at the finish line, Luke Birch said: “Seeing the bigger picture and just preparing yourself for when things are going badly is important.
“I’d have bad moments in the middle of the day when I was tired and sore, but I would alway try to remember that by sundown and with a lovely sunset i’ll be eating something nice and feeling a lot better.”
Luke was greeted by emotional friend and family when reaching solid ground.
Jamie Sparks said: “You hate lots of parts of it, but it’s by far the best thing I have ever done and the most incredible experience.”
Samia al Qadhi, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Care, was thrilled that Luke and Jamie safely arrived at the finish: “Not only are Jamie and Luke world record breakers who have left us humbled and inspired, they are our biggest ever individual fundraisers.
“They have truly gone above and beyond. Their dedication and commitment has been incredible. ”
Luke’s mother, Caroline Barkham commented: “It has been a very difficult time for us at home as we have watched their progress.
“Their initiation into brutal Atlantic storms and gale force winds in their first few days was horrific to watch, and the occasional satellite call hearing the strain in Jamie’s voice was unbearable.
“When we saw several other teams having to be airlifted to safety due to the conditions, it was really hard as I was just waiting for the call to say that they were next.
“As Jamie’s mother I have felt the burden in the pit of my stomach! I have to thank so many people who have taken an enormous interest in their adventure plus the support team and in particular to the safety officers Ian Couch and Lee Fudge who have been absolutely brilliant in looking after the boys.”
The duo tackles many obstacles as they rowed in two hour shifts day and night. Photo: @2boysinaboat
Their tiny boat had just one minute cabin for shelter and rest, and everything they need has to be carried with them on the boat.
Here’s how their 3,000 nautical mile journey looked. 2 Boys in a Boat in grey.
The clean-shaven pair before setting off on their journey. Photo: 2 Boys in a Boat
The boys posted regular video entries during training and at sea. Watch their last leg:
Here’s the pair’s Race Start video:
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Drivers in Lincoln will face nearly a fortnight of disruption when electrical works cause a road closure on Skellingthorpe Road from next week (July 11).
Western Power Distribution will install a new electricity connection for a new primary school on Skellingthorpe Road.
The county council has been constructing a new 130-place school on the site of the former Priory Witham Academy Junior School, which will be for St Christopher’s primary-aged pupils.
As a result, Skellingthorpe Road will be closed between Tritton Road and Boultham Park Road between July 11 and July 22.
This is to ensure the safety of engineers and local people while work is taking place.
A diversion will be put in place via Tritton Road, Doddington Road and Newark Road.
Western Power Distribution said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused while we complete this essential new connection.”
We are investigating a road traffic collision which happened just after 5pm today.
The crash happened on the A15 just south of Waddington and involved a black Peugeot 208 that collided with a tree. The driver of the car, a 56-year-old male, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The A15 was closed just before 6pm and is likely to remain closed for some time.
We are particularly keen to hear from those who were driving along the A15 this afternoon between 4pm and 5:10pm and may have captured dashcam footage of the road during the collision.
If you have dashcam footage or any other information that will assist in our enquiries, there are a number of ways you can get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 285 of 4 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 285 of 4 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
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