A Shore Thing

In June 2022, our crew of five rowers will set out on an epic adventure rowing 500 miles from London to Land’s End – we are Susan Douglass, Anya Anstey, Sian Davies, Kirsty Melin and skipper Jane Wild, the crew of A Shore Thing, and we’ll be taking part in the GB Row Challenge.

We’ll cross the busiest shipping lane in the world, row against prevailing winds, cope with heat, rain, fog or whatever weather is thrown at us, rowing in shifts day and night until we reach our destination. In total it’s the equivalent of 19 consecutive marathons to raise money for Devon Mind, Cornwall Mind, and Action - Medical Research for Children. We’ve teamed up with Raring to Row, a crew taking on the Atlantic in December, to raise as much money as possible for Action and help fund important research into childhood diseases, cancers and birth complications - together we can save and change children's lives. Our boat, Lady Jayne, is an amazing ocean rowing boat with two small cabins for sleeping and three rowing positions. We'll sleep, cook and rest on board for approximately two weeks to complete this challenge which will be as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

The idea of undertaking something adventurous came about at the end of 2019 when the world was a very different place. The situation with covid, lockdowns and rules has meant crew changes, event cancellations, training issues and lots of anxiety. Nevertheless, we’ve kept on pushing forward throughout, a real testament to our determination and endurance. We put on our first fundraiser in early March 2020 and were blown away by the generosity and support we received. Unfortunately, it was nearly two years later before we could safely hold another event. However, our next event will be hosted by Drake’s Cafe on 2 April, where brilliant Devon band Nightshift will be playing a fun set of well-loved covers - lots of fun to be had and a raffle too.

We are also raising money for mental health charities Devon Mind and Cornwall Mind. We feel it’s more important than ever that these organisations are able to support people, and help them deal with added anxiety, fear and uncertainty. Whenever we feel overwhelmed by what we’re doing and how far we have to go, we remember why we are doing this, and how important the money we raise will be to people’s lives, providing training, counselling and support groups to those in need. The more we raise the more people they can help.

Please see ashorething.uk or facebook.com/ashorethinguk for more information or you can sponsor us at gogetfunding.com/ashorething. For every £10 you donate, we will dedicate one mile to you, your business or a memorial.