We've just received confirmation of the distances rowed by Andy Hammond and Richard Boyden of Solent University BC in Southampton at the end of March. Andy Broke the 19 & Under World Record and Richard broke the 20-29 British Record - congratulations to both. Report below from Gus Mckechnie:

From the start of the season it was going to be clear Solent Boat Club was going to have to find a win. The Concept2 racing circuit provided the opportunity to do this with the lion?s share of the clubs 24 medals this year coming from the indoor rowing circuit. This for a club who previously would regard three medals of any colour to be a good year.

This new attitude reflected in the 24 hour charity row for Help 4 Heroes. From midday on the 29th March to midday on the 30th March a pair of students were going to aim to break two separate 24 hour Concept 2 rowing records. Andy Hammond was aiming to break Daniel Morgan?s 19 and under world record of 240,691 metres. Richard Boydon was aiming to break a British record for 20-29 heavy weight of 257,351 metres set by Vincent Brunning. Both had pace plans both stuck to the plans and set them in emphatic fashion.

Rowing alongside each other may of helped but as with any sporting achievement there was a support team behind them. Southampton Solent University Rowing Club president Robin Mills stuck by Andy Hammond throughout the night. Club Captain Adam Chart supported Richard Boydon. I overlooked the setup and machine loan. A host of others supported the boys whilst they rowed on the middle floor of Southampton Solent students union including a documentary team plus webcam.

Local media picked up the sterling effort made by both guys including the BBC and ITV. They both started with a plan and both executed it to a tee. Perhaps the rower who flagged the most was Andy Hammond on a couple of occasions the challenge looked to be getting to him but every time he dug deep to stay on course. So much so that after all was said and done he had a visit to A & E. If you set a heavyweight rowing record in emphatic fashion you can be forgiven. The record was 240,691 Andy made it 260,498 and is now a world record holder.

Rich Boydon never looked like he was going to be in trouble physically the only problem happened on one of his five minute allotted breaks. The monitor turned off, thankfully with so many supporters and witnesses in person and online it remained on track. The British record was 257,351 metres and is 274,966.

What perhaps made a difference was the messages of support coming from Facebook, Twitter and through the webcam. Two GB rowers and indoor rowing legend Graham Benton all sent messages of support. The boys raised £2,000 for help for heroes. A big thankyou goes to Paula Williams who raised money at Coalporters by selling cakes.