Fiona, one year on...

6 Jul 2010

Just amazing to think back to staggering off the boat to the best hug in the world in Mauritius! The memory of that moment is so clear still - but at the same time feels like just a dream. It's been really strange reliving the time this year on land, and all the while from 19th April to 6th July thinking "this time last year we were at sea"!! I have done so much in those 78 days and in such contrast to rowing, sleeping, eating, rowing, sleeping, eating, rowing, sleeping, eating.... and that's not even a whole 1 of those days!

When I think back it is definitely with fondness and perhaps just a little bit of a rose tinted view. I would love to be out there in the elements again, living that simple life which was all about survival and getting from A to B. I remember the waves smashing us about, and the extreme lack of sleep; the feeling of never being dry, and just wanting a hot shower and a bed; the yearning for fresh fruit and veg and food that was on a plate; and the physical aches and pains which are all part of the journey. But it's amazing what you can put your body through and come out pretty unscathed.

In terms of what I've taken out of this row - I'm immensely proud of us as a team and how well we did. Who'd have thought we'd beat a load of boys!? I am amazed at what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. And I now fully appreciate that no matter how bad something seems, it will pass.

But of course it wouldn't have been possible for us to have this incredible experience without so many of you behind us. For me, this one was for my Mum. I wanted to do her proud. She died of breast cancer and so the cause is very dear to my heart. I can't thank you all enough for your generosity in helping us raise such a huge sum of money - whether that was through financial donations, equipment and boat sponsorship, practical support, and of course all of our nearest and dearest who propped us up and kept us sane (ish) in the run up to the start line. Not to mention picking up the pieces at the other end.... We still have all your amazing messages that you sent to us at sea and played such a big part of keeping us going - and the TERRIBLE fish jokes which I really don't miss!

Since returning, adapting back to "normal" life has been almost as much of a challenge as the row itself. Losing such a huge and all-consuming focus left me with a lot of questions and lack of direction for a while. I was really tempted to run away to sea again, but I'm glad I've stuck it out and come through the other side.

We were recently presented with not one but two Guinness World Records which I never thought would happen to me in my lifetime - amazing! So finally a MASSIVE thank you to the other Angels - incredible people without whom I couldn't have realised my dreams. It's strange but very special that noone else will ever really understand what we went through and the ups and downs, so a bond for life.

I'll leave it there - but thanks again to all of you for your interest and support. We'll keep you posted if the Ocean comes calling again.... ;-) !!

Angel no. 2 (Fiona)

xxx