RD&E physio wins 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean

A Physiotherapist from the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust has completed an incredible 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of Surfers for Sewage.

Rosalind Holsgrove-West skippered team ‘Row for The Ocean’ to victory to win the ladies race and came in 10th place overall out of 30 teams taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Despite some difficult tasks to overcome - including being pushed two miles backwards by the wind during a 30 minute rest – the team managed to complete the challenge in an impressive 43 days, 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Rosalind, alongside teammates Kirsty Barker, Dr. Kate Salmon and Laura Try, decided to support Surfers for Sewage to try and raise awareness of the ocean plastic crisis. Along with a group of volunteers, the team has also set up Plastic Free Exeter who are working towards making Exeter the largest Plastic Free City in UK.

Rosalind said: “It was an opportunity of a lifetime and something truly special.  We saw dolphins, turtles and even had a pod of whales come and visit us. To see these creatures in the wild, 1000 miles offshore is breath-taking.

“I am so proud of the team. We have shared something unique and it’s something I will cherish forever. I encourage anyone out there who is thinking they want to do something to go and do it. It doesn’t have to be as big just get out there and try it - you are much stronger than you think you are!”