Row4Charity Q&A fundraiser at Waterfront

Hosted by Jackie and Paul Hamilton, the restaurant and lounge bar were converted into an auditorium where an enthusiastic audience enjoyed a talk by rowers Nick and Phil McCorry plus Matt Hellier.

Unseen footage recorded onboard during the race was shown as well still photographs.

Matt took the floor first and explained how they managed to get to the start line in Australia with the support of residents and businesses of Bexhill, Ettihad Airways and the Bexhill Trust.

Phil described events during the race including the onboard problems encountered, and at the same time still photographs depicted the cramped living conditions during the 69 days at sea and how the crew lived during that time.

Nick remembered the joy of finishing at Mauritius and being met by family and friends.

Pictures of the boat after race showed the toll the elements had taken on it and how it would not have survived much longer at sea.

A question and answer session then followed with the audience wanting to know more. The evening raised just under 1000 for the Stroke Association bringing the total now to over 13,000.

The Bexhill Trust Challenger will be displayed for the first time on the DLWP lawns on August Bank Holiday Sunday where, in conjunction with events being organised by the DLWP, Row4Charity is hoping to have a traditional family fun day.

The team would also like to help other fund raising organisations raise valuable funds by giving them a chance to have a stall at this event.

For further details call 07825663500 or email atlanticocean2009@live.co.uk

The Crew have been invited to take part in the Atlantic Ocean race which starts on December 6 to have the opportunity break that record as well has hold the unique title of 'double' winners never held before.

They are subsequently looking for a new main sponsor with further information available to the contact details above.