Surrey man with pacemaker completes Atlantic solo row

Elliot Awin set off on the 3,000-mile rowing challenge in December

A man with a pacemaker has completed a solo row across the Atlantic.

Elliot Awin, from Dorking, Surrey, set off on the 3,000-mile (4,828km) challenge from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 13 December.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 2015 and had the pacemaker fitted in 2020.

Upon finishing the row, he said: "Yes, it changed my life, but I can still do epic stuff."

He is the first person with a pacemaker to attempt the challenge.

The former rugby player was forced to quit playing after his diagnosis, and despite years in and out of hospital, he later took up CrossFit and rowing.

Elliot Awin said his recovery plans included pina coladas, club sandwiches and sleeping on silky sheets

After setting off for the World's Toughest Row challenge in his 7.4m boat, named Pacemaker, Mr Awin has been reunited with his family in Antigua and Barbuda after 44 days at sea.

He said his plans for recovery included pina coladas, club sandwiches and sleeping on silky sheets.

"A lot of people refuse to get a pacemaker as they're worried they won't be able to play with their grandchildren or run for the bus, but what better way to show people they should get it," he said.

"I just rowed the Atlantic."

Elliot Awin was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

He has raised more than £150,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which will go towards supplying defibrillators to underfunded sports communities.

Following his own health issues, Mr Awin also set up his own charity called Wave Wrangler to support those living with an arrhythmia.

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