Investor relations director at Tritax, Jo Blackshaw, has completed this year’s gruelling Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC), as part of a team of four courageous women.
The team, known as ‘The Mothership’, put their minds and bodies to the ultimate test during the 40-day row across the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean, finishing 2nd in the female category and coming in 13th place out of 36 teams.
The TWAC is an annual race that launched in 2015 and has been completed by fearless fundraisers from all over the world, raising over €11m for charities internationally. This year’s race began on December 12th 2021.
Rowing through brutal ocean conditions from La Gomera in the Canaries to the English Harbour in Antigua – The Mothership was sponsored by Tritax Big Box REIT plc and has raised £59K for organisations close to their hearts.
These charities include Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, which provides expert and compassionate palliative care for over 350 children who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions; Felix Fund, which supports the well-being of individuals within the explosive ordnance disposal and search community across all British military and Women in Sport which empowers women and girls through sport.
During the challenge, Jo Blackshaw (48), Pippa Edwards (43), Lebby Eyres (50), and Felicity Ashley (45) faced many obstacles - including 50-foot waves, shark infested waters, sleep deprivation, intense hunger, and painful blisters.
Each team rowed for two hours, followed by two hours rest, for 40 consecutive days - consuming 10 litres of water and burning an excess of 5,000 calories per day.
The Mothership is officially the second oldest female four ever to cross the Atlantic. Since records began, only 109 all-female rowing crews have attempted to cross an ocean and only 75 teams have been successful. In total only 229 women have rowed one ocean or more.
Speaking about The Mothership’s success, Jo Blackshaw commented: “I cannot believe the determination of every individual that signed up to complete this challenge. To put it into perspective, more people have climbed Everest than have rowed an ocean!
“Each member of our team is a mother and being away from our children over Christmas was incredibly tough – but we inspired and cheered each other on and proved what we’re truly capable of – whilst also raising an incredible amount of our chosen charities.
“It was a gruelling and emotionally draining 40 days – and an incredible experience that I will never ever forget.”
Colin Godfrey, CEO Fund Management for Tritax Big Box REIT plc, commented: “We couldn’t be more proud of The Mothership for smashing this monumental challenge and making history with their efforts.
“The commitment and resolve they’ve shown is incredibly inspiring. We couldn’t be more honoured to have sponsored their journey and to have such an ambitious and driven leader as part of the Tritax team. Huge congratulations to you all.”
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Kate Healey / Clare Coyne
Inform Communications
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kate.healey@informcomms.co.uk / clare.coyne@informcomms.co.uk
