The Felsted School Butler Lecture welcomed back three former Felsted students from the same family, who have all made a massive difference to those in need by rowing the world’s greatest ocean.![]()
Angus Collins (94-98), Bella Collins (03-06) and Charlie Pitcher (77-78) shared their stories to a packed out audience of their separate Atlantic adventures, which have raised over £500K for charity. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to see one of the ocean rowing boats up close.
Uncle, Charlie Pitcher, who holds the world record for rowing the Atlantic solo, led the talk in a traditional chat-show style with humorous anecdotes of the Pitcher-Collins family life.
Angus rowed into history by winning the Talisker Atlantic Challenge race this year, in a world record breaking time of 37 days. He told the audience his key survival tip was to "Eat. Sleep. Row. Repeat".
His younger sister Bella entered in the hopes of merely completing the challenge, but the determination and initiative of her team, ‘Row Like a Girl’, saw them finish in 2nd place just 3 days behind her brother, making them the fastest and youngest female team to row the Atlantic. One young Felstedian was so inspired by Bella’s achievements that she has already signed up for a row around Great Britain next year.
The evening raised over £866 for the Plan International 'Because I am a girl' campaign, which aims to support hundreds of millions of girls to live safe from violence and to get the education, skills and support they need for the future.
