FOUR friends who met only a few months ago have won an epic 3,000-mile Atlantic rowing challenge helped by their sponsor Crewe-based Mornflake.

One Ocean Crew, a team of women in their 30s, carried off the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge female class trophy despite never rowing as a team before and a training regime limited by restrictions at the height of the pandemic.

Physiotherapist Jen Cullom, wilderness expedition guide Erin Bastian, landscape architect Emily Woodason and corporate investigator Janette Potgieter completed the route in a remarkable 40 days and four hours.

Taking it in turn to row as pairs, they overcame sleep deprivation, swollen knees and fingers and many tearful moments out on the open ocean.

Pre-prepared packs of Superfast porridge oats from Mornflake helped to keep their energy levels up to the 4,000 calories needed each day.

The firm has long championed British agriculture and sustainability in food production. It came to the team's rescue when they struggled to find support at the height of the pandemic.

The women, who met last spring when Jen put out a call online for adventure-seekers to join her, set off from the Canary Island of La Gomera on December 12 and are currently recuperating at their finish point Antigua.

They endured some scary moments on their journey, including being hit by flying fish at night and frequent sighting of sharks.

Their mission was not only to win the female class, but to raise awareness of ocean protection; their eco-boat is now being sold to raise money for the Sea Ranger Service which is dedicated to restoring ocean biodiversity.

Skipper Jen said: "Back in the first lockdown I had the crazy idea of forming an all-girl rowing team to take part in a life-changing challenge. I've rowed before at Henley but nothing on a major scale and at times I did wonder what I had got us into.

"Living in different parts of the country, restrictions made it hard to get together to train and it was difficult finding a headline sponsor with companies tightening their belts due to the economic climate.

"Mornflake were not only our saviours but a brilliant match. It's a British company genuinely passionate about sustainability and encouraging healthy lifestyles. We were so proud to have them onboard."

Emily, the crew's nutrition lead, added: "We pre-packed the porridge which provided a critical element of our daily energy. Conditions were often slow and relentless, no trade winds to get behind us. Then came windy days with big seas and 20ft waves crashing the boat threatening capsize.

"We saw Mother Nature at its most dramatic and beautiful. Sadly, we did see a lot of plastic and when we return to the UK we will keep campaigning for ocean protection."

Mornflake will hold a reception for the crew on return from Antigua.

MD James Lea said: "Our porridge oats are the breakfast of choice for many athletes. We were proud to back One Ocean Crew to the finish line.

"Their sheer grit and determination to do it to raise awareness of the importance of our oceans makes them heroes in our eyes and we couldn't be more delighted for this team of four."

For more on One Ocean Crew go to 'Mighty People' Stories at www.mornflake.com