Russell Crowe sends birthday message to round-the-world sailor

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has sent a birthday message to a sailor competing in a round-the-world yacht race.

Pip Hare, from Poole, Dorset, is competing in the 24,000 nautical mile Vendee Globe - one of the longest and most punishing races in the world.

After telling BBC Radio Solent presenter Steve Harris that she was a big fan of the Master and Commander actor, he appealed on Twitter for people to get in touch with the superstar.

Mr Crowe responded in a video message saying: "Happy birthday Pip. What an amazing feeling you're going to have when you can say you've claimed the globe."

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  • Dorset