After more than 64 days spent rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, firefighters Craig Sadler and Stu Vince reached Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua yesterday evening where they were met with their loved ones.
An emotional Stu was reunited with his partner Rachael and their young children, whilst Craig made the most of it being Valentine’s Day by asking his girlfriend to marry him!
The oar-some pair set off from the Canary Islands in mid-December as part of the 2022 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge fleet and were greeted at the finish line by the Chief Officer of the Antiguan fire service.
Every stroke that helped them cross the Atlantic was no doubt motivated by how their fundraising will benefit two charities close to their trio’s hearts, Solent Mind and The Fire Fighters Charity.
The HIWFRS firefighters were tested to the limit during the race known as The World’s Toughest Row.
Riding over huge waves, facing total power failure, enduring cold food , navigating by compass and even suffering hallucinations, the pair updated followers at home of the difficulties and loneliness that they felt at sea, not seeing another person or boat for weeks on end.
Cosham and Waterlooville watch manager, Craig Sadler said:
“You’re at the mercy of mother nature and the ocean. I don’t think you cross the Atlantic, the Atlantic lets you cross.”
“We are absolutely humbled and astounded by how many people have got behind us, that have shared our story, donated to both of the charities that we are supporting. There are too many people to thank.”
Redbridge station manager, Stu Vince said:
“It was amazing, it was challenging and it was tough. If we inspired some people to get up and look after one another, even if we inspired one person, it was worth it.”
“The sunrises, sunsets, night skies and isolation was like no experience ever felt before. It was amazing but being around people and life is something to never be taken for granted again.”
“The biggest thing for us was the comments from home that we were receiving kept us going. It was such a boost.
When asked if he would do it again, Stu responded:
“I probably would, yeah!”
The Minds Matter journey began back in 2019 when Stu, along with St Mary’s watch manager Adam Bundle, worked to deliver Mental Health First Aider courses to organisations, training staff and raising awareness of mental health in the workplace.
They were planning to cross the Atlantic in December 2020 but had to postpone their challenge due to a back injury suffered by Stu.
After battling through injury, serious family illness, personal stresses and working on the frontline throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the firefighters were able to get back out on the water and prepare for their 3,000-mile row.
Craig only came aboard in April, who as first reserve swapped positions with Adam Bundle, who remains very much a part of the team, supporting from shoreside and continuing to raise awareness for the mental health campaign.
Along with Adam and Stu, Craig is also trained as a Mental Health First Aider within HIWFRS and is familiar with taking on epic challenges having trekked to Everest Base Camp with a team of firefighters in 2019.
Stu and Craig completed rigorous sea survival training courses in preparation for the mammoth challenge on their boat, aptly named Patience.
No doubt Craig and Stu will be able to pass on some helpful tips to colleague and Ryde firefighter, Paul Berry, who is taking on the challenge next year with two friends.
You can still donate online to support Craig and Stu, or take your car down to Cosham Fire Station on Saturday for the car wash which is raising funds for the Minds Matter charities.
