OVER £4,000 has been raised by the Worcester Buoys in the three days since they sailed past the finish line of their charity row across the Atlantic Ocean in memory of a much-loved neighbour.
And George Farmiloe and Matt Bladen have now re-appealed for help to finish their most important journey of all – raising £100,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
The city lifeline cared for Matt’s next-door neighbour Jack Dyer, who died in November 2020 aged just 16.
The duo, who met at school in Worcester, completed the gruelling 3,000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean on Monday (January 22).
In 40 days, 16 hours and 20 minutes, George and Matt raised more than £79,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Jack developed a severe form of cerebral palsy from birth and required round-the-clock care throughout his life.
Acorns cared for Jack and his family by allowing them to experience a taste of a normal life.
A month after Jack’s passing, Matt and George decided to brave the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in his memory.
The duo rowed relentlessly during alternating two-hour shifts since setting off last month.
It has seen the buoys face broken oar gates, damaged safety equipment, seasickness and some of the worst conditions the challenge has ever seen.
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is organised by Atlantic Campaigns and each year 30 teams from across the world meet in La Gomera and begin their journey to Antigua.
The duo have been documenting their journey on social media.
A statement released on their Instagram page by loved ones said: “The buoys have powered through, keeping positive and bringing the infectious energy they’re known for every step of the way.
“But, what got them up in the middle of the night, to battle yet another shift of 7-metre waves, force eight storms or 30-degree heat, was the knowledge they were rowing for a fantastic cause – Acorns Children’s Hospice.”
Matt said: “It’s such an amazing cause, we couldn’t be doing this for a better charity and we’re so proud of what we’re doing in memory of Jack.
“Thanks so much to everyone at home, we are so happy with how the fund-raising is going.
“Even if you donate just the price of a cup of coffee it makes a massive difference to a great cause, together we’ll make it to £100,000.”
Dale Dyer, Jack’s father, also paid tribute to the buoys via Acorns’ Facebook page.
He said: “When Matt said they wanted to do this in Jack’s memory I literally burst into tears because I couldn’t believe they wanted to do something so crazy in memory of our son.
“I have to admire them- they’re great guys.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/team/worcesterbuoys to donate.
