A story by Frances, Across the UK
How I got on the GB Atlantic challenge team.
I do gig rowing in my small village (Appledore). Turned out I was a natural and won a lot of races with my crew and went on to row for Devon. Then I put an application in for the GB team and I got in, now I am training hard ready to compete in 2020!
What challenge does this story focus on?
My challenge focuses on when you least expect the great, the great happens. With hard work and dedication you can do anything.
How has this challenge affected you?
Now I am on the GB team it only makes me want to work harder. It has really shown me anything is possible. I didn’t think this would ever happen to me, after all I live in a little fishing village. It makes me proud to represent my family as both my grandads use to row and to represent my country.
What has or is helping you to move forward with this challenge?
I have had great support from my rowing club and my friends and family, even the locals. Everyone has been very kind in helping me with my fundraising to raise £2,000 and I can’t thank those people enough.
What have you learnt as a result of this challenge?
I have learned so much so far and I still have more to learn. Everyday is a learning day! I have learnt different rowing techniques and different knots as well. I learned about different cultural backgrounds from meeting lots of different people, which is very interesting.
How do you use this learning in your life now?
From my experiences so far it makes me want to work harder at everything as you never know who is watching and what might come of it.
What positive message would you like the reader to go away with?
Believe in yourself and work hard and enjoy what you’re doing, if it’s a sport or school or your job. Embrace what you are good at because you never know when your time to shine will appear.