Linda Blakely - Ulster Warrior | Action Medical Research

Linda Blakely - Ulster Warrior

SHE'S DONE IT!

It's not too late to support Linda on JustGiving

Re-live Linda's journey on Instagram at @blakely.linda.

See the route Linda took across the Atlantic

We are delighted to report that Linda has completed her 3,000 row across the Atlantic in 54 days, 9 hours and 25 minutes!

Not only that but she has raised over £100,000 for Action to fund more life-changing and saving research into rare diseases.

A truly remarkable feat! Congratulations and thank you.

Linda's story is a notable example of how one person's passion and drive can make a significant difference in the world

Linda Born in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, Linda moved to London where she set up three children's homes that provide family-centred support for young people with emotional and behavioural issues, as well as those with learning disabilities, delivering a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals and their families.

An amazing journey that saw her transition from a sporty youngster to a successful businesswoman, and then back to pursuing her passion for sports and conquering tough challenges. Her dedication and determination to help others and to push herself to achieve personal goals is truly admirable.

Linda at finish, holding an oar above her head

The Athlete

This latest mammoth challenge is the latest in her list of impressive achievements - as an Ironman athlete include competing in multiple events worldwide, achieving top spots in her age group

Linda regularly races the Ironman World Championships at Kona, representing Team GB in long distance triathlon and winning silver in her age group at the Europeans. Hungry for more, in 2018, Linda took on the challenge of summitting Everest and Lhotse the next day, becoming one of only four women in the world to complete this traverse

Produced by Adam Rhodes

The mission

To row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean

Raise in excess of £100,000 to support Action Medical Research’s special campaign focussed on rare diseases, shining a spotlight on rare forms of epilepsy. Linda will be inspired by Piper (aged just 3), the daughter of one of her Children’s Homes Managers, who is very ill with an extremely rare genetic disease SMC1A which results in devastating epileptic seizures.

The challenge

Linda’s latest adventure has been her toughest challenge yet, to complete a solo row of the Atlantic Ocean.

Linda embarked on her challenge to row solo across of the Atlantic by a woman in Feburary. She engaged on a rigorous physical training programme as well as building her knowledge of the sea, navigation and essential safety/survival training.

The facts

Linda's challenge cannot be underestimated

Linda took on a 3,000 mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean, from Gran Canaria to Barbados
She battled sleep deprivation, salt sores, and physical extremes
Exhaustion tested Linda's mental strength
In the middle of the ocean, the nearest land was 2.5 miles below

Two distance markers — Severe dehydration

It's not too late to support Linda on JustGiving

The boat

A Rannoch built R10 is named Ulster Warrior

6 meters long and just over 1.59 meters wide
Fresh water was produced by a desalination pump
A small cabin at one end for protection against storms
The boat had no means of propulsion other than Linda herself
The only power was generated by the solar panels mounted on the cabin roof - used to run navigation, communication and a water desalination unit
There wasn't a shower or flushing toilet, just the “bucket and chuck it” system