Rowing for a world record (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Rowing for a world record

11:24am Saturday 7th June 2008 in

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AN ACTOR has begun his quest to become the first person to row the distance of the equator - from a rowing machine in Basingstoke.

Dave Holby, of Rainham Close, Kempshott, started to row the 40,075km distance last week in The Malls, in Basingstoke town centre, in an effort to raise money for the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The 27-year-old aims to finish the distance by the end of 2010, by completing 350km a week and rowing up to eight hours a day.

Mr Holby said: "I lost my grandmother to breast cancer 19 years ago.

"Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a terrific charity. I love rowing anyway and I wanted to make an attempt at a record.

"I thought some of the speed records would be difficult, so I wanted to attempt one that would require stamina."

He contacted Guinness World Records, who told him there was no current record for the feat and that it would open a category especially for him.

The actor, who recently performed in a national tour of the Oscar Wilde play The Importance of Being Earnest, believes the nature of his profession will allow him to complete the challenge.

He said: "The great thing about acting is there is so much time spent resting.

"If any work does come in - and hopefully it will - I will go off and do that and then come straight back to the rowing."

To sponsor Mr Holby, visit his website at www.justgiving.co.uk/worldrecordrow