They’ve done it! The Wiltshire men rowing the Atlantic in a 28ft boat have crossed the finish line.

Former Devizes schoolboy Ed Smith and his engineer pal Adam Green from Great Bedwyn made one last heave on the oars with their Thatcham mates Rob Murray and Jack Biss to end their incredible challenge in Antigua at 16.32 local time yesterday.

They took 37 days, 8 hours and 58 minutes to cross the 3,000 miles, rowing an estimated one and a half million strokes each. None of the men are seamen and in training Ed was the only one who wasn’t seasick. They expected to each burn 12,000 calories a day, rowing for 12 hours a day.

The Anna Victorious crew faced swells the size of two houses as they fought the ocean but they battled on, risking their lives to raise funds for a young women’s cancer charity.

They entered the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in a bid to raise money for Victoria’s Promise, a little-known charity which helped Ed’s wife Anna before she died of cancer at the age of just 38.

As the team stood on dry land for the first time in more than a month, Ed said: "We're here to continue Anna's legacy of inspiring and empowering people to find their dreams. We did for Anna.”

The team have raised over £35,000 for Victoria's Promise. The team rowed under the banner Anna Victorious, in honour of Ed’s wife who tragically died in 2018 when their daughter Alba was only 18-months-old and whose bravery inspired the four to take the Atlantic challenge.

As their boat came into the bay in Antigua a flotilla sailed out to welcome them, including one carrying a message from five-year-old Alba, who had said: “Tell my Daddy to hurry up, I’ve missed him and I love him.”

Moments later as the close to tears team stood on the quay to a welcome of flares and cheers, Ed and Alba were reunited.

To watch a video of the Anna Victorious team finish the challenge, go to this link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=1089648088468675

Speaking of Anna’s bravery which inspired them to take the challenge, Ed said: “Anna would light up every room she walked into with her infectious smile,” said Ed, “She would always have the time of day for anybody. Whether it was just for a chat, a shoulder to cry on or offering guidance to people who asked for it.

“She showed incredible strength, bravery, resilience and kindness through her treatment and beyond. She never lost that infectious smile from her face. She continued to help people and change their outlook on life throughout her cancer journey. She truly was and still is a huge inspiration to so many people.

“Throughout Anna's treatment, she was supported by the amazing charity, Victoria's Promise, which helps support women aged 21 to 45 who have cancer . We are proud to be raising money for this charity who change people's lives with the support and services they offer and friendship groups they create.”