Devon holiday park teams with rowers facing epic test

Two brave souls preparing to take on “the world’s toughest row” have won the backing of a Devon holiday park for their gruelling bid.

Beverley Holidays in Paignton has stepped forward to become the official accommodation provider for the intrepid duo as they prepare for the 2018 Talisker Whisky Challenge.

Taking place later next year, it will see the pair rowing 3,000 nautical miles across the world’s largest ocean from the Canary Islands to the West Indies.

Brixham-based Mike Gibbons and his rowing companion Craig Hunter will join 30 other teams in the challenge during which they will face some of the planet’s most extreme weather conditions.

They have 16 months to train and prepare for the physical hardships which await them, and Beverley Holidays has vowed to do all it can to help.

The multi-award winning holiday park will be providing accommodation to Mike and Craig during their monthly sessions of endurance training in the coastal waters of Torbay.

Beverley Holidays says it has put aside one of its most comfortable holiday homes to ensure that both men are given the chance to properly relax after their demanding days.

Now the pair have signalled their gratitude to the park by naming the sleeping compartment of their rowing boat Patience “The Beverley Log Cabin”.

Mike said that the support provided by the park has been invaluable, and that Beverley’s entertainments team has already helped them raise almost £600 for the charities being supported.

Director of Beverley Holidays Nicola Furneaux said that everyone at the park is full of admiration for what the duo are preparing to take on:

“By any measure, it’s a momentous challenge they are facing, and the journey is going to test their physical and mental strength to the limit,” she said.

“We’re delighted to have teamed up with Mike and Craig to become their official accommodation providers, and to help them raise charity funds.

“It’s going to be an incredible journey for them in every sense, and it’s great for us to be able to play a part in their arduous training regime,” added Nicola.

Family-run Beverley Holidays comprises three parks offering boutique holiday caravans, luxury lodges, camping and touring, coupled with a wealth of leisure and entertainment facilities.

There is more information about the group at www.beverley-holidays.co.uk