The Lumbers Celebrity Rowing team faced gruelling weather conditions in the North Sea and were rescued twice by the Coast Guard after getting into difficulties

Attempting to row from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for charity, the four Leicestershire businessmen arrived in Hull on Thursday. They soon encountered extreme winds and had to be rescued by the Coast Guard with the row delayed until Saturday (17th July).

When the crew returned to the water, they again struggled with the conditions, requiring further rescue, before eventually calling off the row on Sunday.

The team led by Dominic Gomersall, owner Lumbers Jewellers, based in Leicester, faced torrid conditions, battling force 10 gales and being blown towards the busy shipping lanes. In the words of the North Sea Coast Guard, the rowers were “20 minutes from almost certain death.”

The team were making great progress, breaking two records along the way, had, but their challenge was ended as they took the tough decision to down their oars.

Dominic Gomersall was extremely proud despite the premature ending of the row.

“We are all obviously disappointed at not being able to complete the challenge we had set ourselves but the journey and the camaraderie that we experienced was something we will never forget.

“We cannot forget what has been achieved along the way, we are the first team to have rowed from the Atlantic, cross country to the North Sea and have set some incredible records including going through Foxton Locks in 20 minutes 40 seconds breaking the existing record which was set at 29 minutes!

“We would urge people to continue to donate to the four charities that we are raising money for as this is the primary reason for all of our efforts.”

Despite the dramatic ending, the Lumbers Celebrity Row has raised a substantial amount for four major charities; Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, The RNLI Lifeboats, Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and The Princes Trust. Donations can still be made by visiting www.celebrityrow.co.uk