A local man battled sleep deprivation and exhaustion to row 3,000-miles across the Atlantic with his colleague.

Chris Mitchell, from Radlett, and Robbie Laidlaw, who lives in London and is originally from Scotland, set off for the Atlantic Challenge, known as the world’s toughest row, on December 13, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands.

After 38 day, 15 hours, and three minutes, the catering company managers finally arrived in Antigua on Saturday night (January 20), completing their challenge to raise money for hospitality workers hit by the Covid crisis.

Watford Observer: Chris Mitchell (l) and Robbie Laidlaw (r) during their transatlantic rowing challenge.Chris Mitchell (l) and Robbie Laidlaw (r) during their transatlantic rowing challenge. (Image: Family handout/PA Wire)

During the journey, Mr Mitchell, 41, and Mr Laidlaw, 34, were capsized in “incredibly harsh” weather conditions and visited by a pod of dolphins on New Year’s Eve.

They also had to cope with strong winds, huge waves and ever-changing currents, as well as blisters, sunburn, dehydration and sores.

The men, who run the Genuine Dining Company (GDC), took on the challenge to raise money for Hospitality Action which supports workers in the sector including those whose jobs were hit by the pandemic.

Mr Mitchell, who has three daughters, said: “I knew I needed to do something exciting and interesting to get donations for the charity.

“Hospitality Action is a charity that supports people who work in the hospitality industry who, for whatever reason, need a little help.

Watford Observer: Chris Mitchell (l) and Robbie Laidlaw (r) during their rowing challenge.Chris Mitchell (l) and Robbie Laidlaw (r) during their rowing challenge. (Image: Family handout/PA Wire)

“The hardest bit by far has been being away from family. There may well be people out here who don’t get on with their families and are glad to be away, but I’m the opposite. It has made me appreciate what I have so much more.

“Being stripped right back to the basics, not having anything at all, no comforts, no luxuries, really makes you think about what matters.”

For more information and to donate visit www.spiritofhospitality.co.uk.

The men took turns to row, with two hours on and two hours off - when they attempted to get some sleep.

He said that he had been listening to Harry Potter audiobooks and one day Robbie found him packing his bag to go to Hogwarts because of sleep deprivation.

As of today (January 22) the pair have raised £165,915 of their £250,000 goal.Watford Observer: Chris Mitchell takes a break during the 3,000-mile Transatlantic rowing challenge.Chris Mitchell takes a break during the 3,000-mile Transatlantic rowing challenge. (Image: Family handout/PA Wire)