Row4Charity's amazing year

Matt Hellier, Ian Allen and Phil and Nick McCorry conquered an ocean and won many friends and supporters for the spirit and determination they showed along the way.

They also raised 15,000 for the Stroke Association having been inspired to fundraise for the charity because of the experiences of a close family member.

The Row4Charity crew took part in the first ever Indian Ocean international race and, after almost 69 days, came home hundreds of miles in front of their nearest competitor, having battled their way through storms, fierce conditions and problems with their boat, the Bexhill Trust Challenger, which needed constant makeshift repair.

Having been welcomed back home, they were then honoured by the town in a prestigious ceremony at the De La Warr Pavilion where all four were granted the freedom of the borough in front of a packed audience which rose to give them enthusiastic standing ovations. The presentation was made by Town Mayor Councillor Bridget George and attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Sussex Peter Field.

From start to finish it's been a remarkable journey for the team and their families '“ not least perhaps Steve and Sue McCorry who had not one but two sons in that embattled racing boat on the other side of the world, but also Jackie and Danny Hellier who saw Matt get engaged to girlfriend Emma almost as soon as he was back on dry land.

The team returned home as ocean rowers and world record holders and are now planning their next steps '“ Matt has a wedding to look forward to and is planning to write a book, while Nick , Phil and Ian have put themselves down for the Atlantic Race 2011 and hope to deliver the fastest-ever crossing.

Nick commented of what's happened this year: "It's unbelieveable really. I'd like to say big thanks to everyone who supported us and all our sponsors."

He added: "You do appreciate your friends and family a lot more, and take advantage of life as a whole, because out there on the boat we didn't have anything. It has made me really appreciate things, made me more positive and confident."

Local businessman Gerald Matthews is President of Bexhill Rowing Club and someone who also enjoyed competing in the sport..

He said: "It must have been over two years before the race that Nick McCorry told me that an ocean race was on the cards.

"At the time I didn't really think about it that much. From time to time I would ask how things were progressing but nothing ever seemed to be very positive.

"Even when the boys committed themselves to entering the race, some three months before the start, funding for the project was in a very precarious state.

"Not until the Bexhill Trust stepped in January 2009 did the boys even begin to dream that project may yet become a reality. The Trust's intervention had the effect of opening up the project, there was a buzz in the town and excitement began to mount.

"We are all aware of the amazing adventure that followed, the 69 days the boys were at sea gave the town something to cheer for, watching their daily progress on line became addictive, the buzz around the town turned into a roar of support and enthusiasm.

"The moment the boys crossed the line was shared by us here in Bexhill with a live phone link, it was Phil who counted down the yards to the finish. The cheers that went up as they crossed the line actually drowned out the cheers of the welcoming party of family and friends that went out to Mauritius see them home. It was a moment many of us will never forget. Well done boys, sorted that out'¦.what's next?"