SHE learnt to row with Northwich Rowing Club and is now preparing for the challenge of a lifetime.
Amy Fallon, 30, a former pupil of Hartford's St Wilfrid's Primary School and St Nicholas Catholic High School, is part of a team planning to take on the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge in 12 months' time.
The digital marketing account manager says her love for the sport has 'never dwindled' and is relishing testing herself in the Last Oarders team alongside her friend Stuart Pearce, 30, a geotechnical engineer from Bristol.
They will go head to head with participants from across the world racing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, setting off from the Canary Islands in December 2023 and aiming to finish in English Harbour, Antigua, late January or early February 2024.
"Stuart and I met studying geology at Plymouth University back in 2011 and have remained good friends since," said Amy.
"Up until I met Stuart during freshers week, I had spent my whole life in Northwich.
"Growing up in Comberbach and attending St Wilfrids then St Nicholas, it was here where I first learnt to row in 2003 on the River Weaver and given the opportunity to compete in many national races.
"My love for the sport has never dwindled, having moved south and competed in numerous races for London clubs including Henley Women's Regatta."
Amy, who now lives in London, highlighted what is in store.
"Known as the 'World's toughest row', this is a 3,000 mile international rowing race across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera to Antigua," she said.
"Teams will struggle with sleep deprivation, salt sores, hallucinations and other physical extremes instigated by the crossing.
"Each rower is left to their own thoughts, the vastness of the ocean and the job of getting their boat and themselves safely from one side to the other."
She added: "This challenge is giving us both the chance to push ourselves both mentally and physically to the most extreme degree, while proving to ourselves what we are truly capable of and that anyone can take on an extreme challenge of this nature with determination and the right mindset."
Over the next year the pair will be facing intense training and meticulous planning, while also raising awareness and funds for their chosen charity.
Amy said: "We are looking to use this platform to raise £50,000 for the Jon Egging Trust, a charity who work with vulnerable young children, who are at risk of ending up out of education or employment due to life circumstances, and get their lives back on track.
"We have chosen to raise money for JET because we believe that the 'overcoming adversity' ethos of JET mirrors that of our own.
"To realise our dream of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, we will need to employ all three of their foundational attitudes; self-belief, tenacity and trust."
She added: "For us to succeed in our endeavour, we will need to depend on support from individuals and businesses who have the resources to help make this dream a reality.
"We have been in contact with many companies whom we have personal links to help raise the funds needed but are now looking to broaden the awareness of our dream and sponsorship opportunities."
They are seeking to raise £100,000 to go towards their boat, safety equipment, food, race entry and training. Their boat and equipment will be sold after the event to raise funds for JET.
Make a donation or find out more about Last Oarders at lastoarders.com, or visit the event website taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com
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