WHEN ANNA VICTORIOUS MET SIR JOHN MADEJSKI

As the teams for this years Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge are making their way to St Sebastien and are reunited with the boats.  With the start of the race only days away, the realisation that we will be experiencing all the same emotions in 24 short months is a little overwhelming.  We are making strides in a number of areas but there is still a metaphorical ocean to cross in terms of our fundraising and conditioning of body and mind.

We proved that we are capable of rowing a significant distance in the Concept 2 Rowers when we rowed 200KM in Basingstoke last month but we are yet to be tested as a team on the open water. We are thrilled that we have been invited by GB Coach Dan Harris, to Bath University to be put through our paces on the river. Three of us have never rowed on the water before so I’m not sure Dan knows what he’s letting himself in for and I am concerned that this could be more a lesson in swimming than rowing.

We were so excited to be asked to speak at the Buzz Connect Big Event last week.  We love telling our story and meeting new people and were a bit star-struck to meet local legend John Madejski. We have been contacted by many people offering services and support, much of which we hadn’t even considered.

Jack is also over the moon to introduce the newest member of our team, Diesel, a rescue puppy from Spain. Whilst smuggling him on board may be an issue he will no doubt keep him company in the Erg.

Jack and I have also passed a significant age milestone in the last week turning 30 and 40 respectively fueling speculation in our families that this part of a midlife crisis.  I’m not sure he looks 10 years younger than me.

With the festive season having snuck up on us we are having our team Christmas lunch at the Harrow, Great Bedwyn.  Roger Jones has been hugely supportive and we are looking forward to sampling his world-renowned food.

If anyone is struggling for ideas of what to get us for Christmas I have included the link to our Just Giving page, all the money donated goes to the charity Victoria’s Promise.  You could be making a huge difference to a family that is living with cancer now.

Donate here: www.justgiving.com/annavictorious