21st January, 2012
At about 8.20pm today (GMT-4), Row for Freedom, a five-woman rowing team fundraising for two anti-trafficking charities, arrived in Barbados after spending 45 days crossing the Atlantic Ocean unaided – setting two new world records.

The women were welcomed into Port St Charles Marina by friends, family and race organisers following their 3,000-mile journey, which begun on 7 December 2011 in the Canary Islands. Watch the video of their arrival here.

Debbie Beadle, Julia Immonen, Kate Richardson, Katie Pattinson-Hart and Helen Leigh are now proud holders of two world records: ‘The fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by an all-female team’ and ‘The first five-woman team to row any ocean’.

The women have overcome many challenges throughout their trip, including 30-ft waves, the failure of their steering system and automatic water-making system, sea sickness, salt sores, cramp and sleep deprivation in order to, successfully take part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, known as ‘the world’s toughest rowing race’. More people have climbed Everest or gone to space than have ever rowed an ocean.



Through sheer determination and human spirit, the Row for Freedom team, who had no previous ocean-rowing experience, crossed an ocean that has defeated some of the world’s hardiest and most experienced adventurers – six out of 17 boats have already dropped out from the race suffering snapped oars, capsizing and debilitating sea sickness.

Row for Freedom’s aim is to raise money for two charities that work to fight human trafficking: the children’s charity ECPAT UK and the A21 Campaign.

Skipper Debbie Beadle, who runs a Youth Group for ECPAT UK, helping young people who have been exploited in the UK, said: “We’re exhausted and relieved to have made it. We’ve seen nothing but the sea, dolphins and each other for 45 days so it’s overwhelming to now see 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 can’t wait to have some proper food and an ice-cold cocktail! Not to mention a proper bed!

“We are blown away to have achieved two world records. These are an added bonus to our initial and most important goal, which is to raise awareness of the horrific crime of women, men and children being sold, exploited and trafficked around the world.”

The women of Row for Freedom spent 45 days on the ocean in a boat measuring 7mx2m, sharing incredible sunsets, visits by dolphins and a Christmas Day under the stars. Theirs was an arduous and dangerous journey - along a route that was once used to transport slaves from the UK to the US - but one they hope will inspire others to fight against the modern slavery of child trafficking.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “This is a fantastic achievement and highlights the level of commitment this organisation and others put in to fighting this terrible crime.
“Human trafficking is an awful crime where people are treated as commodities. I am determined that Britain becomes more hostile to traffickers, and at the same time more compassionate to victims.

“I’d like to extend my warm congratulations to Debbie Beadle and her brave team of four in rowing across the Atlantic and commend their efforts to raise the awareness of human trafficking and, in doing so, breaking two world records.”

Christine Beddoe, Director of ECPAT UK, said: “What these women have done is totally inspiring. They have recognised the urgent need to stop the trafficking of children and adults, and have acted to raise awareness and money to do just that.

“What Row for Freedom has achieved is an opportunity for the UK and the rest of the world to take notice and take action to stop the exploitation of children and young people in Britain and abroad. I applaud and thank them for their tremendous efforts in helping ECPAT UK continue its vital work to protect children everywhere.”

Row for Freedom named their ocean rowing boat ‘The Guardian’ in honour of ECPAT UK’s campaign call for a system of guardianship to be introduced in the UK for child victims of trafficking - because that is what every child victim of trafficking in the UK needs.




PRESS CONTACTS
For pictures or further information please contact Danielle Spriggs at Captive Minds
Tel: 020 7422 8260 or Danielle.spriggs@captiveminds.com
Christine Beddoe, Director, ECPAT UK
Tel: 07906 341 889 or 0207 233 9887


Information for editors:
-     ECPAT UK (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children) is a leading UK children’s rights organisation that exists to end the commercial exploitation of children. We focus on protecting children from both trafficking and exploitation in tourism. This is done by campaigning, providing training, and working with other NGOs and professionals from around the world. We also work directly with child victims of both sexual and labour exploitation by helping them recover and giving them a voice to speak out
-     To sponsor Row for Freedom, please donate securely via JustGiving or it is possible to send a cheque: ECPAT UK, Grosvenor Gardens House, 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0BS
-    Follow us on Twitter (@ECPATUK) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/ECPATUKCampaigns).
 

Team biographies: Debbie Beadle
Debbie Beadle, 30, is one of Row For Freedom’s five-woman crew. She lives in High Wycombe in the UK. Debbie has been working and campaigning in the human rights sphere for over 10 years. For the last six years, Debbie has been involved in campaigning, developing research, writing expert reports, training professionals and raising awareness about human trafficking, and has lead youth participation projects in Africa, Europe and South America. Debbie currently works for ECPAT UK. Working directly with child victims means that Debbie gets to see firsthand the devastating effect this horrendous crime has on children’s lives. An outdoor enthusiast, Debbie is no stranger to a challenge, she competes in triathlons and last year completed 30 physical challenges including 190km Bike Ride in the Brecon Beacons, 3.8 km open water swim in sea and and all day event adventure race , before her 30th birthday to raise money for ECPAT UK.

Most excited about: Being on the ocean, away from civilisation and pushing my body to the limit. Learning new skills about being on sea. I am skipper so have a lot of responsibility on my shoulders.
Biggest challenge while at sea: Getting the whole team into the tiny cabins when weather conditions make it impossible for us to row.
What you’ll miss most: I will of course miss my family and friends, but also the young people who have been trafficked who I work with. They have needed a lot of support and I will not be able to help them when I am away.
Luxury item on board: This is not a luxury item crossing we are going on a speed attempt, but we will be taking our mascot ‘Little Steve’ who was given us by our Ocean Theory Instructor!
Debbie says: “In my work, I see young people who have been abused in the most horrific ways. Each day I am amazed and humbled by how they survive and find strength to live their lives. This challenge will be nothing compared to what these children suffer.

Team biographies: Helen Leigh
Helen Leigh, 26, is one of Row For Freedom’s five-woman team. She lives in the UK, and works for the British Triathlon events team on high profile events including the ITU world championships. Helen rowed both at club level and at university, where she achieved two British University Championship Medals, and is passionate about pushing herself to the limit. She already has a host of other challenges lined up for 2012.
Most excited about: Everything about this challenge excites me. I am really looking forward to being in the middle of nowhere, fending for ourselves against the natural elements, having life so basic just eat, sleep, row, eat, sleep, row. I can’t wait.

Biggest challenge while at sea: Coping with the lack of sleep.
What you’ll miss most: Cups of tea!! With no milk on board, not having my usual 6+ cups a day is definitely going to be tough!
Luxury item on board: An ipod, music will be a great motivator during our expedition.
Helen says: “Row For Freedom has opened my eyes to the horrors of human trafficking. I am proud to be part of something that will potentially change the lives of millions for the better through raising awareness and fundraising. I am also very keen to promote sport to young girls and I can’t think of a better way to be a role model than to row across the Atlantic in a team of six strong and capable women.”

Team biographies: Julia Immonen
Julia Immonen, 31, is the founder of Sport Against Trafficking – the not-for-profit behind Row For Freedom – and will be leading the five-woman crew as they row across the Atlantic in a double world record attempt. Row For Freedom combines Julia’s love of sport and her passion for the injustice of human trafficking. Having set up a number of anti-trafficking groups, worked with organisations and MPs on high profile fundraising events, and visited safe houses for trafficked women and children in South Africa, Row For Freedom is the latest in a long line of human trafficking campaigning for Julia. A serious sports enthusiast, loving skiing and surfing, Julia is always trying out new sports and adventures. Julia is already eagerly planning the next exciting Sport Against Trafficking challenge after Row For Freedom!
Most excited about: Seeing nature at its rawest and experiencing being away in such isolation. I can’t wait to see the stars, sunsets and sunrises as well as the wildlife.

Biggest challenge while at sea: Sleep deprivation and maintaining mental self-belief … we will get there!
What you’ll miss most: My family and personal space
Luxury item on board: My ipod – I love music and think it will be invaluable to keep going when I’m tired or need a boost.
Julia says: “I am hugely passionate about Row For Freedom as a positive tool to raise awareness of human trafficking and generate funds that can contribute towards putting a stop to it. If we’re able to help just one person, then it will all be worth it. I hope it will inspire others, too, to get involved and shine a light on the injustice of human trafficking.”

Team biographies: Katie Pattison-Hart
Katie Pattison-Hart, 32, is one of Row For Freedom’s five-woman team. She was born in Brunei and now lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. After studying financial economics and working for eight years in international banking, she went on to become Sales Directors within a consultancy firm. Katie currently works in events, modelling and presenting, and also coaches gymnastics. Katie is a keen gymnast, and has previously competed as a spring board and high board diver. She is constantly challenging herself to try new sports and activities, including snowboarding, Muay Thai boxing and enjoys yoga. Last year, she ran her first marathon in Jordan.

Most excited about: The solidarity of being on the water , seeing the wildlife and being with the girls - working together to tackle the challenges that we will face as a team. I am also excited to be stripped of all possessions, just carrying our basic kit, and about the impact we are having on the charity and the awareness we are raising through this challenge.
Biggest challenge while at sea: Sleep deprivation, and aches, pains and blisters like I’ve never experienced before!

What you’ll miss most: Being in contact with family and friends. Although this is all part of being away from our day-to-day environment and I am looking forward to embracing this.
Luxury item on board: Photos and letters from family and friends to be opened along the way.
Katie says: “The Row For Freedom cause has captured my heart, and I feel privileged to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the biggest challenge – both mentally and physically – that I’ve ever taken part in, but the sense of achievement at the end of it will be huge."


Team biographies: Kate Richardson
Kate Richardson, 22, is the youngest member of Row For Freedom team. She lives in Northern Ireland and, having recently graduated from the University of Ulster, is an Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapist and Classroom Assistant. A sports fanatic and qualified gym instructor, Kate is new to rowing … but more than up for the challenge!

Most excited about: Sea life and breath-taking ocean views, sunsets and sunrises … and making it across it record time!
Biggest challenge while at sea: Being away from my family.
What you’ll miss most: A full night’s sleep, land, a shower and communication with loved ones.
Luxury item on board: My ipod! I need my music. And dark chocolate.
Kate says: “The opportunity to use sport to ultimately bring change to this human trafficking crisis is a dream come true. The thought of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, having no previous ocean or rowing experience, is daunting, but knowing I’m making a difference by raising awareness of the injustice of human trafficking will get me through.”