North Devon doctors in Atlantic rowing race

TWO North Devon doctors are taking part in the 2009 Atlantic Rowing Race. Stuart Burbridge and Rob Casserly, both 34, set off from the Canaries earlier this month in a race that was supposed to take place at the end of last year, but was delayed by bad we

TWO North Devon doctors are taking part in the 2009 Atlantic Rowing Race. Stuart Burbridge and Rob Casserly, both 34, set off from the Canaries earlier this month in a race that was supposed to take place at the end of last year, but was delayed by bad weather.

They are competing as a pair in the race which is now well under way, with 30 crews heading towards Cape Shirley off the south coast of Antigua.

The official race distance is 2,548 nautical miles and is expected to take anywhere between 40 and 90 days, with boats containing solo racers, pairs, fours and even eights.

At the last reports there was very little distance between most of the crews, with the North Devon Doctors in 13th place in their boat Ocean 2 Summit.

Stuart, who has celebrated his 34th birthday during the race, has spent time at both North Devon District Hospital and Bideford Medical Centre. Rob is a North Devon based GP. He is an experienced adventurer, having reached the summit of Mount Everest on five occasions and run in 10 marathons.

Both have been training for the ocean race with Bideford Amateur Rowing Club and Appledore Pilot Gig Club.

They are undertaking the race to raise awareness and sponsorship for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Trust.