Ex-parachute regiment officer sets rowing record

A former Parachute Regiment officer has set a new record for rowing solo around Great Britain.

Mike Ellicock, 50 and from Lewes, East Sussex, departed from his home town on 30 April and returned to the same spot, the John Harvey Tavern, on Wednesday evening, after completing the 1,820 mile (2,929km) journey in 49 days.

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Mr Ellicock was aiming to raise £30,000 and awareness for the charity Support Our Paras.

He said he was “incredibly grateful to have been able to get around safely and so fast”.

He is also the first person to complete the journey via the Great Glen.

He said: “As a 25-year-old platoon commander, I was wounded in action during a hostage rescue in Sierra Leone but made a full recovery and subsequently had the privilege of commanding paratroopers on operations again before making a successful and rewarding transition into civilian life.

“Not all my former brothers in arms were so fortunate – and that’s why I chose this challenge as a way to honour them and raise money for Support Our Paras.”

Mr Ellicock had previously completed the 125 mile (201km) Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

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In 2013 he set a world record for running the London Marathon while carrying a 40lb (18kg) pack in just under three and a half hours.

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