Rower completes Atlantic crossing for charity

Tom Waddington rowed across the north Atlantic in aid of charity

A man who rowed across the Atlantic to raise money for mental health charity Mind has said it was an amazing feeling to complete his mission.

Tom Waddington, from Halifax, was rowing from Newfoundland in Canada to Penzance in aid of the charity which helped him after his girlfriend Hatty Harrison died in a car crash in 2020.

On Tuesday, a post on Mr Waddington's Instagram profile said the Yorkshireman had been forced to finish the row in the Isles of Scilly due to an incoming storm.

Mr Waddington has raised more than £62,000 for Mind through his row, which saw him travel more than 2,000 miles across the ocean.

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The 40-year-old said he faced some tough challenges during the row, including his boat capsizing three times and being hit by a whale.

He added that an incoming storm towards the end of the row led to him having to change his finishing point from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly.

Tom Waddington has raised more than £62,000 for mental health charity Mind

St Mary's RNLI crew was called in to help tow Mr Waddington to safety as he approached the islands due to the weather conditions.

By the time he was rescued, Mr Waddington had gone past Bishop Rock - which is the traditional start-finish for north Atlantic crossing attempts.

Mr Waddington said it was not the way he had wanted to finish the row but he was delighted with his efforts.

"I'd made it past the line of Bishop Rock, so I was happy in the end," he said.

Tearful return home

Mr Waddington was given a free helicopter ride over to Penzance where he had an emotional embrace with his family and fiancée who were waiting for him.

He said: "It was amazing. I broke down in tears - it was such a good moment."

His mother Elaine said she was delighted her son had completed his challenge.

"I'm chuffed to the moon and back again," Ms Waddington said.

"We're feeling so very excited. We're so very, very proud of him and all he's achieved."