A DORSET man was among a group of amateur rowers who conquered a mammoth challenge.

The 'oarsome' achievement saw Will Heward, 35, and others race more than 200 miles non-stop through open water in the Mediterranean.

A combination of determination and teamwork, plus saddle sores, bruises blisters and aching muscles, saw the team through as they rowed the 318kms from Ibiza to Barcelona for a straight 80 hours.

Participants took up the NOMAN Campaign’s mammoth challenge to raise awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its connection to 5 per cent of all cancer – raising funds for the HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation in the process.

Will, from Bridport, joined five others in a team who hail from London and Cambridge.

They trained for hundreds of hours over many months to ready themselves for the task.

With each person burning around 25,000 calories over the voyage – the equivalent of 1,612 apples, or 141 cheeseburgers – the teams were tested to their mental and physical limits.

The ocean rowing boats used consist of two tiny cabins, two rowing seats and precious little room for manoeuvre without falling overboard

Race organiser Chris Martin said: "People from all walks of life took on an incredible and unique challenge. "They did it for their for the joy of personal growth but also to raise funds for a charity, which they have become passionate about since signing up for the race. In taking on this incredible journey they demonstrate that anyone can tackle incredible challenges such as this even without prior experience as long as they prepare well. This adventure is equally down to the crews’ mental fortitude as well as their physical strength and is something that everyone has if they are filling to search deep inside themselves for it."

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