Children from a Dawlish primary school came face-to-face with an adventurer fresh from a feat across the high seas on Wednesday (March 5).

Pupils from Gatehouse Primary Academy were treated to a first-hand account of how Teignmouth water sports instructor Tim Cox and friend Andy Purvis rowed 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Noah Huxham with a 'Congratulations' banner for Tim and Andy
Noah Huxham with a 'Congratulations' banner for Tim and Andy. (Claire Twitchin)

Tim and Andy, the Oar Mighty Mates 2C, completed the World’s Toughest Row just over a month ago. Tim admitted that it’s still not quite sunk in yet.

Sue and Tim Cox shared the story of the Oar Mighty Mates 2C row across the Atlantic with children from Gatehouse Primary Academy
Sue and Tim Cox shared the story of the Oar Mighty Mates 2C row across the Atlantic with children from Gatehouse Primary Academy (Claire Twitchin)

Many children at Gatehouse followed the pair throughout the event and sent messages of support via Tim’s wife Sue, who was in daily contact with the boat as she updated the rowers on weather conditions and routing information.

‘Thank you for all your encouraging messages,’ Sue told the children. ‘It means the world.’

Children from Gatehouse Primary Academy made a banner to congratulate Tim Cox for rowing across the Atlantic
Children from Gatehouse Primary Academy proudly display their banner to congratulate Tim Cox and Andy Purvis for rowing across the Atlantic (Claire Twitchin)

Tim shared information about the event and his experiences, explaining the cramped conditions on board and sharing photos and video footage of some of the wildlife they saw, ranging from butterflies and moths 300, miles offshore, to sharks and a whale. ‘The whale followed us for two days,’ Tim recalled. ‘We could hear it, we could smell it – it smelt of fish, but it took a while until we saw it.’

Sue Cox Tim Cox lifejacket
Tim and Sue Cox demonstrate how a lifejacket works. (Jo Bowery / MDA)

The children were fascinated when Tim showed off the toilet facilities on board and were enthralled by demonstrations of some of the safety equipment.

Reaching the finish line was a ‘joy’, Tim told the children, explaining that this was the first time in 49 days that he and Andy had seen land or any other humans. ‘But I was sad to leave the boat,’ he added. ‘I’m still emotional,’ he continued. ‘I’ve learnt so much: about myself as well as the wildlife and the different birds we saw.’

Tim and Andy hope their herculean efforts will raise much-needed funds for Dementia UK and baby loss charity Abigail’s Footsteps. Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/timothy-cox-1709986111726 and https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-purvis-1711636219485