News / Education
Prime Minister’s award for Bristol Uni rower
A University of Bristol student who rowed 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic raising £250,000 for charity has been made a Point of Light by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Callum Gathercole, an Aerospace Engineering student who was racing as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, set a new under-19s lightweight world record while raising funds for research into brain tumours in memory of his late father.
His contribution was so outstanding that 10 Downing Street nominated him Point of Light. The prestigious award, given away every weekday, recognises outstanding volunteers.
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Cameron said: “I want to congratulate Callum on his Guinness World Record and on all that he has done in his father’s memory. He has raised a fantastic amount of money to support others who are terminally ill and to help fund vital medical research. I am delighted to recognise Callum for his service to others by making him the UK’s 485th Point of Light.”
Callum spent 58 days, 15 hours and 15 minutes at sea. He said: “This is certainly the toughest thing I have done in my life, but I’m proud to have supported these great charities and hope it will make a difference to people’s lives and to their families.”
The young athlete said the Point of Light honour was completely unexpected. He added: “Throughout this campaign, I have had a massive support and fund-raising team who have made the row possible. This award is shared with all of them, as I certainly wouldn’t have made it to Antigua without them.”
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