A NOTTS Police officer who completed a 2,900-mile row across the Atlantic says the experience has changed his life.
PC Kez Bostock and his six crewmates arrived at Port St Charles, Barbados, last night - 35 days, 14 hours after setting off on their journey from Spain.
The 42-year-old said it was a big blow to miss out on the 30-day record for the crossing, but said the adventure would stay with him for the rest of his life.
He spoke to the Post this afternoon from a villa on the Caribbean island, where he is recovering before heading back to the UK on Monday.
"It was incredible just to get back on land and see your loved ones" he said.
"We were about 15 miles out when one of the crew standing up could see land - you start feeling this surge of emotion."
Each member of the team rowed for two hours and then slept for two in shifts so their boat, Titan, could make the crossing.
PC Bostock's efforts also raised £715 for Help for Heroes - a charity close to his heart as he is a former Royal Marines Commando.
He added: "The first 48 hours were hell on earth. We were rowing in a big swell and there's the most awful seasickness and you can't keep anything down - I actually thought I would die."
After the crew's bodies adjusted to the motion, they then faced the mental battle.
"You are not in control out there on the ocean, you are completely at the mercy of that big blue desert. It's very, very humbling," he said.
"It's been a life-changing few weeks, you get a lot of time to think. It makes you think your glass isn't half empty - you think 'it's more than half full and maybe I'm lucky to have a glass at all'.
"You realise the most important thing in life is spending time with your family."
Although bad weather meant they missed the record, the crew still recorded one of the fastest-ever crossings.
"It was a big blow (when it was clear the record had gone), but everyone wanted to push on," he added.
Waiting for him on the quay last night was his wife Emma, 41, who said: "It was quite emotional. It's unbelievable and I'm so proud of him."
PC Bostock's boss, Temporary Superintendent Ian Howick, from the force's operational support department, said: "This is a superb achievement and all of PC Bostock's colleagues are extremely proud of what he has done.
"In order to complete this journey, he will have had to display some of the excellent qualities he displays every day in his work for Notts Police - dedication, determination and bravery."
To donate to PC Bostock's appeal visit www.justgiving.com/kez-bostock.
