Amputee veterans complete Atlantic challenge

A group of wounded military veterans are celebrating tonight after becoming the first all-amputee team to row across the Atlantic.

The men arrived in Antigua this afternoon after a punishing trip from the Canary Islands.

ITV News correspondent Neil Connery reports:

Four military veterans who have become the first all-amputee group to row across an ocean have told ITV News they hope to inspire other people who have suffered injuries.

Skipper Cayle Royce said they were "hugely proud" and what they had achieved following their Atlantic journey and hoped it would motivate others to take on "adventures and endeavours of their own".

The crew also said they were "humbled" by the amount of support they received during their 46-day journey and upon arrival in Antigua.

They endured a rough final night on the ocean, with heavy weather meaning they feared at one point they might not reach the finish on Thursday.

"The Atlantic is absolutely relentless, it will surprise you at every opportunity it's got," said Light Dragoon Lance Corporal Royce.

Four military veterans, who set a new world record after becoming the first all-amputee group to row across an ocean, were given a military salute as they reached the finish line in Antigua.

The Row2 Recovery team - Lee Spencer, Nigel Rogoff, Paddy Gallagher, and skipper Cayle Royce - took on the gruelling 3,000 mile journey to raise awareness of life beyond injury for servicemen and women.

The challenge started in La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 20 and ended today at 4pm at Antigua's English Harbour.

Prince Harry has spoken to the four wounded military veterans who rowed the Atlantic via a video call.

The Prince congratulated them on their "incredible achievement".

Kensington Palace tweeted: "Prince Harry thanked them for their amazing determination to prove there is life after injury."

The skipper of the group of injured veterans who rowed across the Atlantic has spoken of his pride at completing the 46-day challenge.

Cayle Royce, who lost both legs when he was injured by a bomb in Afghanistan, said: "We are so proud to be the first all-amputee team to row an ocean and extremely humbled by the support we have received.

"We are very proud to be able to support injured servicemen and women everywhere through the Endeavour Fund, Help for Heroes and Blesma.

"Although totally exhausted, we are ready to celebrate the fact we have just conquered 3,000 miles in the world's toughest ocean rowing race. There is life beyond injury - that's our message, we hope it's out there."

Four wounded military veterans have set a new world record after becoming the first all-amputee group to row across an ocean.

Britons Lee Spencer, 46, Nigel Rogoff, 56, Paddy Gallagher, 30, and skipper Cayle Royce, 29, set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 20, competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The team, called Row2Recovery, arrived in Antigua's English Harbour at around 4pm GMT following a gruelling 3,000 mile journey across the Atlantic in just a rowing boat to raise awareness of life beyond injury for injured servicemen and women.

• Read more: Amputee veterans set to make history in Atlantic rowing challenge