Haworth RAF Corporal rows across Atlantic Ocean for charity

RAF Corporal Gary Binns, from the Cross Roads area of Haworth, and three other military personnel pushed their bodies to the limit by rowing more than 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for five charities.

The team, known as Atlantic Rocks, took part in the C-Map Atlantic Dash 2024.

The big-hearted fundraisers departed from Playa Blanca in Lanzarote on January 3, arriving at Jolly Harbour in Antigua 61 days later on March 5.

Well done to Corporal Binns, Sergeant Phil Angus, Corporal Justin Wallace and Sergeant Dan Martin (Image: Submitted)

Donations are still rolling in - but so far they have raised an extraordinary £19,000 which will be split equally between the Veterans Charity, the Centurion Fund, Tough Enough to Care, armed forces charity SSAFA and Mental Health Research UK.

Gary, who has served with the RAF since 2003 and completed various operational tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, described the experience as "amazing and unforgettable".

"We didn't have it easy, though," he said.

"It took 61 days to get across.

The lads before their major challenge (Image: Submitted)

"We were originally looking at completing it in around 50 days but we faced a number of challenges.

"The weather didn't go in our favour, we had a lot of thunderstorms and gigantic waves kept crashing into us.

"We also had electrical problems.

"It was all fun and games - but failure wasn't an option.

"I wanted to push my body to boundaries it's never been through before - and I certainly did that along with the other lads."

Gary said they were "ecstatic" when they finished the challenge.

"So many people came out to congratulate us at the end as we entered the marina," he added.

"They were clapping, there were air horns, they were banging pots and pans together.

"It was really quite emotional and overwhelming.

"It was an amazing and unforgettable experience."

Gary said a "massive thank you" to everyone who has supported the team.

"We're so grateful to you all," he added.

"The money will really help the five important charities and make a positive difference."

Asked if he would do the challenge again, Gary said: "I would - but I'd like to do a different ocean.

"The Pacific Ocean would be good."

The other men who took part in the gruelling effort were Sergeant Phil Angus, Sergeant Dan Martin and Corporal Justin Wallace.