World record for army docs (From Banbury Cake)

World record for army docs

11:27am Wednesday 7th July 2010 in News By Sam MacGregor

TWO Army doctors have set a new world record for the first pair to row non-stop around Great Britain.

Captains Hamish Reid and Nick Dennison, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, set off in May aiming to become the first pair to row non-stop and unsupported around the British mainland.

Last Thursday, 50 days after they set off from Lymington Yacht Haven, in Hampshire, they rowed back to the same dock at 2.30pm, to set the world record.

Capt Reid, originally of Sibford Gower, near Banbury, said: “The main feeling about setting a world record is a great relief after putting in so much effort getting around, plus the two years planning over the course of that time.

“Many experienced seamen told us it would not be practical to complete the journey, so we are delighted to be able to prove them wrong.”

Capt Reid, followed his father, Dr Nigel Reid, who until earlier this year worked at the Banbury Medical Surgery, into a medical career.

He is currently the regimental medical officer with 22 Royal Engineer Regiment in Tidworth and is hoping to train in sport and rehabilitation medicine.

Capt Dennison, originally from Bristol, said: “As expected our progress has been entirely dependent on the weather and our progress directly reflected wind direction and speed and the amount of rain.

“This has meant that we have seen everything from showers, sunny days with a tail wind to ferocious storms and capsize.”

The pair, who met at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, set off on their record-breaking challenge on Wednesday, May 12, in their 24-foot ocean-going rowing boat ‘Komale’.

During their 2,100-mile journey, the duo battled high seas, fierce winds and strong tides, taking turns to row for two hours, for up to 20 hours a day.

Maintaining good physical condition was important with the pair using up to 8,000 calories each a day.

During the row, they undertook scientific research into the nutritional demands of prolonged exertion and physical degradation — which could be used as part of operations in Afghanistan.

Director general of the Army Medical Services, Major General, Mike von Bertele, said: “The achievement of these two young doctors cannot be underestimated.

“They have shown courage, discipline and integrity throughout the whole challenge, qualities essential to that of an officer in the British Army today.

“Additionally, the scientific research they have undertaken during their remarkable trip will no doubt be invaluable in providing insight into the nutritional demands of prolonged physical exertion – an increasingly important component of current operations.

“They are a credit to the Royal Army Medical Corps.”

The pair hope their adventure will raise £20,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund and Help For Heroes.