A 'Mumentous' Solo Atlantic Row

There have been a few times in my life when I've been brave enough to go first. Because of that, others have found the confidence to have a go themselves. By becoming the first woman to row the Atlantic at 59 years of age in the World's Toughest Row 2024/5, I hope to encourage other women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond to do extraordinary, 'mumentous' things.

I am following in the oar-strokes of a group of women who inspired me. In 2016, four mums from Yorkshire entered the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The Yorkshire Rows entered the record books by rowing 3000 miles across the ocean from The Canaries to Antigua. I thought they were fantastic and I felt tremendously inspired by their achievement. I identified with them because, not only am I also from Yorkshire, I'm a middle-aged mum with no track record of being an ultra-endurance athlete and not a great deal of experience with rowing.

But, I thought, if they can do it, so can I.

I've given birth - twice! I've survived menopause and any number of life's other challenges. I know as Mo Farrah says, 'With the right preparation, you can do anything.' I know I CAN row an ocean and the prep is already well underway.

A successful crossing doesn't only mean a New World Record but I'll join a very small group of 29 other women to have done this challenge solo. But why do it at all?

I'll be rowing to raise money for MENOPAUSE.

Of the 15.5 million menopausal women in the UK today, only 14% of us are receiving any sort of treatment. This has a massive impact on our personal and professional lives and negatively impacts the economy.

Various charities including the British Menopause Society and the Menopause Cafe help to support women with evidence-based information, accredited training for medical professionals, support with introducing menopause policies within businesses and, regardless of who you are, young or old, male or female, a safe space to talk, share experiences and not feel alone.

I'm often asked if I'm mad. If my row raises money that then helps and supports other women, I don't think there's anything mad about that.

While I'll be rowing by myself, I can't get to the start line alone - I need your help to do that! My goal is to raise the remaining £45k to get to the start.

Many participants have said it before but the hardest part of this challenge is getting to the start line. Would you be willing to make a donation to help me begin this 'mumentous' journey?

Thank you for reading and wishing you all the best.

Viv x