A MUM who is already juggling family life, home schooling and work is setting herself the challenge of rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Benson mum Felicity Ashley, 44 will be joining three other working mums in their 40s and 50s on the ‘The Mothership’ in December to take on on ‘The World’s Toughest Row’.
They will put their bodies, minds and souls to the ultimate test by taking on one of the world’s greatest physical and mental challenges.
Setting off on December 12, the 3000 mile journey will take them from La Gomera, Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua.
The rowing team will be self-sufficient, they will be taking everything they need including food and drink and medical equipment all stored on a 26ft ocean rowing boat.
Sleep deprivation, sea sickness and salt sores are just some of the unpleasant things the team will have to face.
‘The Mothership’ will also be battling against the unforgiving weather in the Atlantic and 40ft waves.
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Ms Ashley said: “We are doing this to inspire other women and children to dream big and challenge themselves to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
"We want to show that you can achieve anything with the right mindset and that neither gender, nor age, should be a barrier. More people have been to space than completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, and fewer than 100 British women have rowed an ocean as part of an all-female crew.”
The current restrictions have prevented the team from meeting in person and the rowers feel that getting to the starting line is as much a part of the journey as the crossing itself.
The team is juggling work, families (including home-schooling), raising funds for the challenge and training.
As a team of working mothers, preparing their families for the adventure is equally as important as their own preparation.
Ms Ashley said: “We face a different challenge to many of the crews in leaving behind dependent children. We know it’ll be hard for them at times but hope that it’ll have an enduring positive influence on their lives – and make them proud.”
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The mums are not only rowing to inspire others, but also to raise money for two charities which provide vital support for families.
The Felix Fund helps bomb disposal personnel and their families with welfare initiatives and financial support.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps seriously unwell children and their families make the most of the special time they have together through clinical, practical and emotional support.
The team have set up a fundraising page and they aim to raise £20,000 for the two charities. The team can be sponsored via: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TheMothership
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