Salisbury resident to participate in ultra-rowing challenge around GB

Amy L Wood 29, who moved from Leeds to Salisbury is participating in an all-female rowing challenge to circumnavigate Great Britain and is rowing in memory of her father, Gary who died suddenly less than a month ago. 

Image: Team Ithaca (Image: Team Ithaca)

Amy said: “We all come from active and adventurous backgrounds, but this race requires more than just strength, stamina and endurance.

"We’re excited to push ourselves mentally and physically while helping some really worthwhile causes."

Image: Team Ithaca (Image: Team Ithaca)The team have trained for months and will be rowing continuously and unsupported. The aim is to finish within 50 days so as to break the world record and will enable them to be the first British women to have completed the feat. 

Amy added: "By achieving this incredible feat, Team Ithaca would join the history books as the first British team to complete the challenge.”

Team Ithaca departs from Tower Bridge in London on Sunday, June 4 and their 2,000-mile journey begins. 

Image: Team Ithaca (Image: Team Ithaca)

The team have to deal with unpredictable weather, busy shipping areas, fast-turning tides and a rocky coastline but will also be collecting samples for vital ocean conservation research by the University of Portsmouth. 

Dr Fay Couceiro, Lead Scientist at the University of Portsmouth, said: “Data collected during the GB Row Challenge will significantly improve our understanding of the changing numbers of microplastics in our waters.”

In addition to supporting environmental research, the team is passionate about helping those who have received a cancer diagnosis. Their chosen charity is CanRehab Trust which provides nutritional and emotional support to those living with cancer as well. 

 For more information or to support the challenge, go to their Just Giving page.