Rachel Flanders

Rachel at the age of 17 Became the Guinness World Record Holder for the youngest person (of either sex) to row across an Ocean. She along with a crew of 3 other women rowed a 24ft boat across the Atlantic Ocean. She developed the 'faceboat' theme to raise money for charity by rowing pictures of peoples faces (which were printed onto the boat) across the ocean. This enabled her to raise thousands for various cancer charities, both local and national. The trip took 74 days in which they received absolutely no outside assistance. All food and equipment had to be carried on the boat, and she had to learn to repair all the equipment including the water maker and the boat itself. The boat itself developed a crack midway through the trip requiring Rachel to dive below it and effect a repair, which held for the rest of the trip, but not before the seawater had damaged a proportion of the food supply. Rachel now actively competes for the Durham University rowing squad where she is studying for a Masters in Engineering (MEng). She will no doubt be setting her sights on joining the GB rowing team at some point. I believe she shows tenacity in the face of danger, spirit, determination to succeed, drive and a kind supporting heart. For this reason she deserves a place in your relay