THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated to Chard’s British Legion branch after a gruelling 3,000 mile row.
The Atlantic Mavericks, featuring Chard veteran Richard Baker, completed the epic fundraising race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
The crew of four ex-servicemen set off for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on December 12 and reached the finish line on January 31, 50 days and 19 minutes later.
Richard met with Darren Squires, the chairman of Chard RBL, on Saturday to hand over a cheque for £2,500 - a share of the £10,000 that the team managed to raise.
The other three team members have donated an equal share to their local branches.
Darren said: “This was a monumental challenge.
“I’m sure it was a fantastic experience, Richard and the Atlantic Mavericks have raised an amazing amount of money and we are very grateful for the donation to our Branch.
“With the upcoming anniversaries of the RBL’s 100th, in 2021, and also the branch’s 100th, in 2022, this money will definitely be put to great use supporting the community and beneficiaries.”
The money raised by Richard and his comrades has been shared between the Royal British Legion, Myeloma UK, Riding for the Disabled and the military charity 353.
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