Four women rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in just over 44 days, winning the 2024 World’s Toughest Row and raising £62,500 for mental health charities. The funds have been split between three charities including a named fund held by Oxfordshire Community Foundation to award grants to a local youth engagement programme.
After 44 days, 14 hours and 52 minutes at sea, the Ocean Empower Team – Dawn Smith, Deborah Cope, Fiona Steel and Kerry Swanton – crossed the finish line in first place in the 2024 edition women’s class of the World’s Toughest Row. Their journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour, Antigua, tested every limit – physical, mental and emotional.
The team of four decided to take on this monumental challenge to raise money for three chosen charitable organisations, The Charlie Waller Trust, Phoenix Heroes CIC and Oxfordshire Community Foundation (The Project PT), and to help raise awareness of mental health challenges and how we can be empowered to overcome them. The three charitable organisations share a common goal to enhance mental health and wellbeing through education, physical activity interventions and empowerment projects.
Their incredible feat raised a total of £62,500 that has been split between the three charitable organisations. The Ocean Empower Fund, a named fund held by Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF), will make grants to The Project PT’s LiFT Youth project totalling £22,762.
Throughout the crossing, the team faced towering waves, Sahara winds and the unenviable demands of three-hour rowing shifts. With no support boat, they became their own doctors, mechanics and navigators. Yet amid these immense challenges, they found moments of awe and joy: dolphins dancing alongside the boat, golden sunsets and the laughter and support they got from each other.
Life changing impact
The Project PT’s LiFT Youth project is a referral-based programme for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). The initiative combines physical activity with personal development, helping participants explore new interests, build confidence and gain work experience through a 30-hour placement – laying the foundation for future success. The programme has been developed alongside Thames Valley Police and various Oxford schools & charities.
Through LiFT Youth, The Project PT team supported David, a reserved 16-year-old with learning difficulties, in building confidence and foundational skills in fitness, anatomy and coaching over a six-week accredited course. Despite initial challenges with communication and participation, David gradually opened up, successfully completed the course and thrived during a follow-up work experience placement. With continued support, David has since secured full-time employment and is exploring further education.
About Named Funds at OCF
The Ocean Empower Fund is one of many named funds hosted by Oxfordshire Community Foundation. These funds offer individuals, families and organisations a simple and effective way to give back to their community. Much like having a personal charitable trust – but without the administrative burden – named funds allow donors to support causes they care about while benefiting from OCF’s local knowledge, governance and grant-making expertise.
Find out more about setting up a named fund with Oxfordshire Community Foundation.