HAVING undertaken dozens of endurance challenges for charity, the man affectionately known as Dave the Rower said he was humbled to be presented with a national award.

As previously reported in The Gazette 37-year-old Dave Holby-Wolinski was nominated to receive a British Citizen Award (BCA), which recognises exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.

On Thursday last week, Dave was among 36 people presented with the award at the Palace of Westminster.

The father-of-three was recognised for, among other things, his 30-month epic challenge in which he rowed more than 40,000km - the distance around the world - on a static machine.

As well as being a Guinness world record holder and completing a number of endurance challenges, the 37-year-old has raised £50,000 for causes, including breast cancer charities in memory of his mother, grandmother, and two aunts, all of whom died from the disease.

The Bramley resident said: “It was incredibly humbling to be honoured with this award. It was such an amazing day, hearing all these inspirational stories from people who have made a difference on peoples lives. I felt like an utter fraud having just done a little bit of rowing!”

About his record-breaking efforts, Dave said that it was generosity of the people of Basingstoke which kept him going, and he said this award was as much for the town as it was for him.

He added: “What I did was a tiny part of being able to raise so much money.

“It was the encouragement of people in this wonderful town which made me get up and take on the challenge each day.

“I absolutely love Basingstoke and this award is for the town not just for me.”

Even though Dave already holds 19 indoor rowing world records he is not satisfied and is looking ahead to his next challenge where he will take part in the Reading Half Marathon in a Viking boat costume, looking to set the world record for the fastest time for a pair in one-contained costume.