Hampshire woman to row 3,000 miles across Atlantic over Christmas
Charlotte Harris will be joined by her friend Jessica Oliver to help raise money for homelessness and domestic abuse
Last updated 9th Dec 2021
A woman from Hampshire is preparing to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic over Christmas to raise money for homelessness and domestic abuse.
Charlotte Harris, from Fleet, is taking on the world's toughest rowing challenge with her best friend Jessica Oliver.
They will row continuously for 60 days - 2 hours on and 2 hours off on their boat 'Cosimo'.
Known as 'Team Wild Wave', the pair will need to eat around 4,000 calories a day and drink 10 litres of water whilst battling sleep deprivation, 30 ft waves, sharks and whales.
So far they have raised nearly £30,000 of their £100,000 target which will be split between homelessness charity Shelter and Women's Aid who support victims of domestic abuse.
"There is no obvious way out for these victims - that's why we must support them"
Jessica told Greatest Hits radio why those charities are important to them:
"When me and Charlotte were training in Victoria in London for the charity boxing match in 2019, we realised how many homeless people were on the streets and immediately decided we would raise money for them in our next challenge.
"We then read that 32% of women who end up on the streets do so because of domestic abuse.
"These people end up in these situations through no fault of their own, it can happen to anyone and you want people to feel safe that they can get support and speak about their experiences.
"And Covid has been absolutely horrendous for these victims so it's never been more important to raise awareness and raise money for these charities."
Setting off on December 12, the women will join 35 other teams from around the world, travelling west from the Canary Islands to Antigua and finally, Barbuda.
Jessica added: "I think I'm in the most extraordinarily priveleged position to be doing this challenge.
"I'm able to take time off work and I'm in a position to support myself to do this and when I come out the other end I know I'm secure and I'm safe.
Battling through tears, Jessia continued: " I'm getting emotional because for some of these people who are homeless or suffering domestic abuse, there is is no outlet or obvious way out.
"That's why we must support them and the charities who do as well."
To follow their story visit www.teamwildwaves.com/ and to donate to their chosen charities visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamwildwaves.