BARRY firefighter John Haskell and colleague Jamie Windsor have landed - battered and bruised - in Barbados after successfully completing their charity Atlantic Ocean rowing mission!

Team Atlantic Dash reached Barbados just after 7.20am on Friday (January 20), after 45 days, 19 hours and 21 minutes battling 40-50ft waves, coping with horrific sores and limb injuries, surviving on re-hydrated food rations and, during the last weeks, having no cooking facility at all. The 'naked' pair, who are aiming to raise more than £100,000 for Help For Heroes, the Firefighters Fund, WRVS, and Breast Cancer Care, rowed more than 2,615 nautical miles in their wooden boat Pendovey Swift.

The firefighters rowed the entire distance unsupported in a Woodvale Pairs class boat, designed specifically for the race but measuring just 7 metres (23.4ft) long and 1.9m (6.3ft) wide.

And their Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge journey - in which they finished fourth out of a field of 17 - took less time than expected, as the pair fixed their determination on rowing as much as they could to escape the treacherous waters.

Former Gladstone Primary and Barry Boys pupil John spoke to the Barry & District News as their journey drew to an end.

The dad-of-two said: "We've just spotted land. It's beautiful. We’re really excited!"

Following John’s arrival in Barbados, and passing through customs and excise, there was an emotional reunion with wife Sian, daughter Megan and son Morgan.

And speaking again to the B&D on Tuesday (January 24), John said: "Even after four days on dry land I am still shell shocked.

"I am finding hard to adjust and the body clock is still on a three hour shift pattern.

"I can't eat as the appetite is not great, I’ve lost nearly four stone, and I’ve kept the wild-man sea-dog look!

"My joints are sore and I am still stooping from not standing up."

He added: "The terrifying parts of the journey have taken their toll and I am finding it hard to blank out. There were moments we thought we wouldn't make it home.

"But we are elated at our achievement and thank you all for the support and donations back home."

And the pair had a fantastic welcome from the other rowers.

"Atlantic 4 helped us off our boat and threw leeks at us!" said John.

"The Bajan fire service were also there to welcome us, and we presented them with a plaque and statue to commemorate our journey, on behalf of South Wales Fire and Rescue service.

"We have also received 1500 donations from holiday makers and the owner of Kings Beach Village where we are staying.

"They witnessed the emotional reunions and saw the toll the journey had taken.

"We are overwhelmed by the support."

To sponsor Team Atlantic Dash, visit www.atlanticdash.com and click on the donation link.