Update........

The Atlantic crossing was completed in 39 days, 23 hours and 21 minutes, the 13th fastest crossing ever. Sadly we missed out on the record after some tricky weather. 

As a consolation prize, we beat the 24 hour distance-speed record at 103.88nm in 24 hours. With thanks to the Ocean Rowing Society for confirmation and verification of this world record: http://www.oceanrowing.com/#Simon1

Stephen is attempting to beat the 32 day World Speed record to row across the Mid Atlantic. He will set off from the Spanish island of Gran Canaria and hopes to arrive at Port St Charles in Barbados – 3,000 miles away – a world record-breaking 31 days later.

But it is not just about breaking the record – the team is also bidding to raise money for the Bickerstaff Endoscopy Unit at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital.

The unit saved Mr Harpin’s trainer Jim Mostyn’s life when it discovered bowel cancer in its early stages during a screening two years ago. He had an operation and survived and has been training Mr Harpin for the last 10 months.

The incredibly demanding 3000 mile row is one of the most dangerous rowing challenges in the world. Stephen will have to content with extreme sleep deprivation, rapid weight loss, sea sickness in huge waves, extreme pain and physical and psychological exhaustion. All this in a 30 foot boat with eight people onboard, rowing in shifts of 2 hours on and 2 hours off, 24 hours a day for over a month.