Blackburn woman storms into the records book after Atlantic row (From Blackburn Citizen)

Blackburn woman storms into the records book after Atlantic row

4:15pm Sunday 22nd January 2012 in News By Neil Docking, Reporter

A BLACKBURN woman has stormed into the record books by completing an incredible rowing challenge.

Helen Leigh and her four ‘Row for Freedom’ team mates finished a 2,613-mile unaided journey in the early hours of yesterday morning – setting ‘the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by an all-female team’.

Arriving in Barbados late at night, they rowed their sea-battered carbon boat into the shining lights of Port St Charles Marina.

It was the first time they had seen land since leaving the Canary Islands 45 days, 15 hours and 26 minutes previously, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

In doing so they beat the previous world record by around three days and also became the first five-woman team to row an ocean.

Helen, 26, sent out an audio message on Saturday, just hours before she completed the challenge.

She said: “We’re really excited and we cannot wait.

“The last week has been an absolute slog, we’ve had no wind, we’ve been pulling our arms off, rowing and rowing through treacle, giving our all to get there.

“I can’t wait to see my mum and dad at the other end and have a 10-day holiday, which will be perfect! Thanks to everybody.”

After completing the challenge skipper Debbie Beadle said: “We’re exhausted and relieved. We’ve seen nothing but the sea, dolphins and each other for 45 days, so it’s overwhelming to see all our family and friends.

“Our bodies are falling apart - we’re waking up with our hands cramped into the rowing position and our backs aching.

“We’ve been on dehydrated food and desalinated water for a month and a half, so we can’t wait to have some proper food and an ice-cold cocktail. Oh, and to sleep in a proper bed! It’s all so emotional.”

The team took part in the famous Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, dubbed the world's toughest rowing race, to raise awareness of human trafficking.

Helen trained for the challenge on rowing machines and in the pool at Darwen Leisure Centre and by doing strength work at Crossfit Gym in Clitheroe.

The former St Wilfrid’s High School pupil, who works for British Triathlon in the events team, already has several years of rowing experience under her belt and while at university achieved two British University Championship Medals.

You can still sponsor the team’s efforts at www.rowforfreedom.com