Ollie Hicks spent four months at sea to become the youngest person to row the Atlantic solo from North America to Bishop's Rock just off the Isles of Scilly. The 23-year-old received a rapturous welcome from supporters in Falmouth including Prince William and Richard Branson. Ollie's journey began in New York on 23 May 2005. When he arrived in Falmouth on Friday 30 September 2005 he had travelled around 4000 miles in 126 days at sea. During his successful trip Ollie had to endure extreme weather conditions which hampered his progress.  | | Ollie Hicks rows into Falmouth |
"I am relieved to be back on dry land," said Ollie at his return party in Falmouth. "I am absolutely exhausted but so excited to see all my family and friends again. It has been the most amazing experience of my life." The young adventurer is raising funds for Hope and Homes for Children. Ollie has already raised £21,000 through various other challenges, including a Lands End to John O’Groats bicycle ride and the Marathon des Sables – a six-day endurance race across the Sahara desert. The charity aims to help children worldwide who have nowhere to live due to war or disaster.  | | Prince William welcomes Ollie Hicks |
Sponsor Virgin Atlantic made the charity and Ollie's efforts its onboard charity over the summer and raised £124,300 in the process. Richard Branson from the company was one of many to welcome Ollie to Falmouth. "Oliver has been at sea for over a third of a year," says Richard Branson. "He has been followed by sharks and coped with horrendous storms along the way. It is as remarkable an achievement as any of the great British adventurers, and unlike say Scott of the Antarctic, he has managed to come all the way home." Ollie Hicks had been looking forward to making his amazing voyage since he was a teenager. The tired but delighted young adventurer is determined to carry on his fundraising efforts for Hope and Homes for Children. | 
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