Doctors Adrift row team smash world record

Two doctors from Sussex have broken the world record for the fastest pair to cross the Indian Ocean.
Ted Welman and Jack Faulkner break the Indian Ocean Pairs World RecordTed Welman and Jack Faulkner break the Indian Ocean Pairs World Record
Ted Welman and Jack Faulkner break the Indian Ocean Pairs World Record

Under the name Doctors Adrift, Dr Ted Welman and Dr Jack Faulker broke the world record in 56 days, 23 hours and 45 minutes, smashing the existing record by more than 28 days. Ted, from Petworth, and Jack, from Brighton, began their expedition in Geraldton, Western Australia, on March 16, and finished in Mauritius on May 12.

Jack said: “Bit surreal to finish, it’s been a long couple of months and it’s amazing to make the crossing and achieve the world record in the process. Neither Ted or I could have dreamt of crossing in the speed we did. The support and updates from folks back home, when you’re in that dark place, getting soaked and capsized, was a huge motivation. To be a record holder is incredible, and an experience that will be with us for the rest of our lives.”

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Doctors Adrift completed their herculean effort in aid of global medical charity MSF. The charity provides much needed emergency medical care in areas affected by armed conflicts, epidemics and natural disasters.

Ted Welman and Jack FaulknerTed Welman and Jack Faulkner
Ted Welman and Jack Faulkner

Ted said: “The row was easily the toughest thing we’ve ever done, both a gruelling schedule of minimal sleep and 12 hours rowing a day was painful to say the least.Hearing that we are raising an incredible amount of money for all the unbelievable work that MSF carries out, pushed us along in the lowest of moments. The main motivation for us was not to cross the Indian Ocean but to raise a huge amount money for a cause which is close to both of us.”

All donations are hugely appreciated. They can be made through the Doctors Adrift Pledgit link on www.pledgit.net/campaign/9RTdql or via text. To donate £3 text MRXKR to 70193, to donate £5 text MRXKR to 70195, or to donate £10 text MRXKR to 70190.

Ocean rowing remains one of the toughest endurance tests known to man, nearly 4000 people have climbed Mount Everest, 536 have been into space, yet only 20 rowing boats have crossed the Indian Ocean. Ted and Jack met whilst studying Medicine at Imperial College London. Since graduating they have both worked as junior doctors in South London and plan to pursue careers as surgeons. Both have rowed competitively, Ted during his school career and Jack at university.

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The duo would like to thank all their sponsors for making the challenge possible, including: CCube Solutions, Brickendon Consulting, Epic Private Equity, BPL Global, Karma Group, FutureYou, Killik & Co, e-bykes, Ardingly College, Navionics, Expeditions Foods, Res Fortes, Mufasa Biltong, Fitlegs and Ocean Leisure.

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