By Debbie Beadle, Youth Programme Coordinator
A couple of weeks ago (17 September), the Row for Freedom team entered the Great River Race, a 21-mile row down the Thames from the London Docklands to Ham. Three-hundred boats entered, all different shapes and sizes, but our ocean-rowing boat, ‘The Guardian’, was the biggest. It was the first time we had seen her painted and with logos on. She looked amazing but very small for something we are going to live on for 40 days!

The race day started with a lot of excitement as we discovered that our oars were stuck on the motorway and were not going to arrive in time. This resulted in myself and one of the team members, Julia, calling up a favour at our club, Putney Town Rowing Club, to borrow some oars. We then had to drive the oars from Putney across London to the Docklands to start the race. We arrived there just in time to do a quick interview with ITV then get loaded on to the water.

However, plain sailing this was not - as soon as our stern hit the water, the heavens opened and the wind hit us. We had to work really hard to keep the boat straight in the water - It was definitely an initiation to the boat and gave us a taster of what it might be like in the ocean.

The sun eventually came out and it was such a lovely way to see the sights of London. We took turns being in the cabin, where we will sleep when out on the Atlantic for 40 days. It was very hot and stuffy, something we will have to get used to.

On completion of the race, we came in to a lovely surprise - the race organisers handed us the award for most inspiring challenge.

Read more about Debbie's role in the Row for Freedom or sponsor the team and raise funds for ECPAT UK's vital work to stop child trafficking.