TWO firefighters last week managed to row one million metres on a static rowing machine over four days in Tavistock, to raise money for two charities.
Tavistock resident James Mulroy from Greenbank Fire Station and Paul Brew from Crownhill Fire Station set themselves this challenge for Plymouth Sound Unite and the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.
The target was to row consistently from 7pm on Wednesday, December 3 to 7pm on Sunday, December 8 in Tavistock's Bedford Square. James and Paul took it in turns to row and remained on the boat to cook, eat and sleep but after 36 hours the need to constantly change clothes because of the wet weather, consume more than 12,000 calories a day and get the rest required took its toll.
The men decided to get some support rowers in to do some of the legs, and they were overwhelmed with offers including Tamar gig club rowers, friends and family.
James said: 'Paul and I managed 750,000m —800,000m in 68 hours in the cold rain, with no official organised support and no tin opener for two days.
'We estimate supporters did around 200,000 — 250,000 metres for us and we would like to thank them all.'
Paul lost his mother to pancreatic cancer and is hoping to help raise both awareness and funds for research. James is also using this event to work towards an endurance row across the sea — his plan is to be part of an ocean row team.
Every penny raised will go to the charities. Anyone who would like to donate can still visit http://www.justgiving.com/robinbrew">www.justgiving.com/robinbrew