Rowing Grandads Beat Atlantic Record

Grandads Beat Atlantic Record

Two grandfathers with a combined age of 123 have become the oldest pair to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Former paratroopers Neil Young, 61, and Peter Ketley, 62, completed the 3,000-mile (4,828km) journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua in 63 days.

The pair took part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and raised money for three charities, including Dreams Come True.

Mr Ketley told the BBC that it was an

“incredibly difficult but ultimately rewarding experience"

The friends of more than 40 years had no previous rowing experience before embarking on a year-long training regime ahead of their departure in December.

They have so far have raised more than £30,000 for the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), Dreams Come True and Support Our Paras. If you would like to donate, please visit their Virgin Money Giving page or visit their website.

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What we do

Dreams Come True is a national Children's Charity who exists to deliver dreams to children who have it tough. We believe every child has the right to dream, no matter who they are or where they live. More info
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We only accept referrals from medical, healthcare, or social care professionals. Applications are on a first come first served basis, to ensure that no child is waiting too long for delivery of their dream.
Who we support

To ensure we reach the children who deserve our attention the most, we work with children who are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, and are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions. More info
What is a Dream?

Whether it's a break for a young cancer patient, a specially adapted trike for a child with cerebral palsy, a tablet to help an autistic teenager develop their communication skills, or a seriously ill child’s room makeover. Each dream brings a moments of magic and has a lasting impact for years to come. More info
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We are always on the lookout for people who share our values and mission and are dedicated to making dreams come true for children who have it tough.
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To ensure we reach the children who need our attention the most, we have a set eligibility criteria that must be met in order to have a dream come true.
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We work exclusively with, and only manage dream referrals from, those who know the Dreamers best –medical, healthcare and social care professionals.
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One of the biggest and best marathons in the world! We have guaranteed places but would also love to support anyone who has their own place through the ballot.
About us

We make dreams come true for children who are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions from the highest areas of deprivation in the UK. Bringing moments of magic that have a lasting impact for years to come. Our belief is that every young person has the right to dream, no matter who they are, or where they live.