A man from Cumbria has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean for 70 days to raise money for charity.

David Ferrier from Westnewton, Cumbria, and his friend Garry Hoyle, from North Shields, have raised £13,733 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). 

The duo rowed for 70 days, 20 hours, and 18 minutes, completing an approximately 3,000-mile journey which began in San Sebastian, in La Gomera, Canary Islands on December 12 last year.

Their voyage, which took place in a specially designed rowing boat called Molly Moo, saw them land in Antigua.

The pair were unsupported during the race, and survived on dehydrated rations, used solar panels for their electronic devices, and courageously battled challenging weather conditions, including 30-foot waves during which Mr Ferrier was washed overboard.

The friends spent Christmas and celebrated their birthdays in the midst of the challenge.

Mr Hoyle turned 60 and Mr Ferrier turned 62 just three days after their departure.

Mr Ferrier said: "The whole thing, 70 days, 20 hours and 18 minutes, seemed to go like a flash.

"There were so many different things there, the wildlife was astonishing. 

"Whales, dolphins, porpoises, sharks, mahi mahi and marlin.

"Rowing in the moonlight, the stars were just incredible, you couldn't even experience anything like it."

The pair faced some adverse weather conditions during their voyageThe pair faced some adverse weather conditions during their voyage (Image: Seas The Moment)

Mr Hoyle said: "The end coming into English Harbour is absolutely fabulous.

"The fact that we came in during the night just added to the experience because they were setting the flares off from the hills above, the ships were playing 'We Are The Champions' as you came into the harbour and the full experience is just tremendous."

The team, known as ‘Seas The Moments’, decided to focus their efforts on fundraising for GNAAS after witnessing a rescue operation conducted by the charity in the Lake District.

Before the race, Mr Hoyle and Mr Ferrier visited GNAAS’ base in Langwathby, Penrith, where they met some of the charity’s critical care team.

They returned later to narrate their adventurous journey to the team and present a cheque for £13,733.

Mr Ferrier said: "For us, it was all about trying to raise some funds for GNAAS and we are super grateful to everybody that donated.

"We really are blown away by the donations and potentially everybody who has donated has helped to save somebody’s life and that means so much to us."

GNAAS, which needs to raise £8.5m a year to remain operational, has recently launched a raffle with a top prize of £10,000.

Further information is available on their website at gna.as/raffle_2024 or by phone on 01325 487263.