A former paratrooper is on course to become the fastest person ever to row solo around Britain after completing a gruelling 1,820-mile journey that began and ended in Lewes.
Mike Ellicock, 50, is expected to cross the finish line at the John Harvey Tavern in Lewes at 7pm on Thursday 19 June, marking the end of a 49-day solo rowing expedition that took him around the British coastline, including the challenging inland stretch through Scotland’s Great Glen.
The father-of-three, who served with the Parachute Regiment and was wounded in action during a 2000 hostage rescue in Sierra Leone, spent 41 days actively rowing. He was forced to take eight rest days due to dangerous weather conditions.
“This challenge has been three years in the making, with over 2,500 miles rowed in preparation, but I still felt the chance of success was low,” said Ellicock. “The trip has been unbelievably tough, but also an adventure of a lifetime, with amazing scenery and wildlife and wonderful support from everyone I have met.”
Rowing in a specially designed Canadian expedition boat, a hybrid between a sea kayak and an ocean rowing vessel, Ellicock sometimes rowed for up to 18 hours a day. Ahead of the journey, he worked with fuelling and hydration experts at Precision Fuel & Hydration to ensure he could perform at peak physical capacity.
“I’m not a religious person,” he said, “but it does feel like I’ve been allowed to pass unharmed through so many dangerous and intimidating sections of our coastline. I’m not sure why I have, but I’m incredibly grateful to have made it around safely and so fast.”
The expedition, dubbed Pegasus Round, has so far raised over £10,000 for Support Our Paras, a charity supporting serving and former members of the Parachute Regiment and their families. Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/page/pegasusround, and more details are available at www.pegasusround.uk.
The challenge adds to an impressive list of endurance feats completed by the former paratrooper. Ellicock has previously completed the Bob Graham Round, the Devizes-to-Westminster Canoe Race, and set a Guinness World Record in 2013 by running the London Marathon in 3 hours, 25 minutes and 21 seconds while carrying a 40lb (18kg) pack.
“Now the end is in sight,” he said, “and I can’t wait to reunite with everyone who’s supported me, right where this challenge began nearly 50 days ago.”
