Worcester friends suffer sickness during Atlantic challenge

The friends said the challenge had been the "hardest time" of their lives

Two friends have beaten illness in their quest to finish their Atlantic rowing challenge.

George Farmiloe, 26, and Matt Bladen, 27, are just 500 nautical miles from the finish line in Antigua.

Having left the Canary Islands on 12 December, the pair have faced eye infections and stomach bugs.

Their efforts will help raise funds for the Acorns Hospice in memory of their friend Jack Dyer.

The 16-year-old, who had cerebral palsy, was a neighbour of Mr Bladen.

Both friends have battled illness with Mr Farmiloe suffering an eye infection and Mr Bladen encountering a "stomach thing".

Bodies getting fed-up

Mr Bladen told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "Our bodies are just not meant to be out in this environment and for this long."

He added: "We have had definitely the hardest time of our life out here.

"Definitely emotionally and mentally more so than physically.

"I think the physical element has hit us more so in the past few days with our bodies just getting fed-up of being out here."

The pair, who met at Worcester's King's School, are aiming to raise £100,000.