In December, Viv Barclay is going to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic. At 59, she will not only become the 30th woman to cross solo but will become the oldest woman to complete the challenge.
Whenever anyone hears of this challenge, the first thing anyone will say is: “You’re mad!” and as someone who has known this woman for as long as I’ve been alive, I can’t think of anything more fitting for her to do. As the title might indicate, this record-breaking row is going to be completed by my Mum.
For the past 3 years, I have had a front row seat to the ins and outs of this challenge, watching in awe at the strength it takes to just get to the start line. From the stresses of finding sponsors, to the excitement of getting the boat, to the calmness felt on the water; it’s been an intense time to say the least!
But, before I discuss where she is now, let me guide you through how she got here.
In 2015 ‘The Yorkshire Rows’, a team of 4 middle-aged women, broke the world-record being the oldest female team of four to complete the ‘World’s Toughest Row’. While the feat was inspiring in itself, what truly made my Mum believe she could follow in their footsteps, was their ordinariness. They were not former Olympians or former military; they were middle-aged mums just like her. However, it was not the right time. Not only was she having to raise me by herself, but she also had to look after my grandma whose health was deteriorating rapidly due to Alzheimer’s disease. My Mum’s menopause symptoms also meant that the family demands on her were increasing at a time when she felt her least capable.
Menopause is something that is barely discussed, especially within a university setting, but it affects us all. While arguably only half the population will experience menopause, the people that struggle though it are our mothers, our partners and our siblings. It is an experience that not only causes the typical hot flushes, but it causes brain fog, insomnia, and in some instances suicidal thoughts. While some of the symptoms might seem manageable or something trivial that we have all experienced, these symptoms lead to real consequences. Women often leave their jobs or their marriages, are sometimes misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression, and some unfortunately take their own lives. Despite all of this, as of 2021, 41% of UK universities do not have menopause as a compulsory part of education, leaving half the population in pain or discomfort because doctors themselves do not know how to deal with it.
This speaks to a larger issue of women over-50 systemically being disregarded and it is because of this that my Mum chose to row the Atlantic for menopause. Something no woman, and no man, has ever done.
While I could discuss aspects of the row, such as food and sleep and what the toilet facilities are, which are important I will admit, the reason I won’t is because the race hasn’t started yet. And despite the physical and mental demands of the row, what many find to be the most challenging aspect of the race is getting to the start. The main issue is sponsorship. With a large amount to raise and only so many willing businesses, there are days when it feels like the challenge can’t go ahead.
This is where she is now, just months away from the start date, and the fear that the row might not happen this year weighs heavily on her.
But everything changes once she’s out on the water. All the anxiety built up over the past three years, all the disappointments with sponsorship and all the negativity surrounding her attempt, it all simply fades away. When things are as hectic as they have been, while easily forgotten, at the end of the day, my mum loves rowing! And with each oar stroke, she will be inspiring women to accept that age is no measure of importance.
If you would like to follow my Mum’s story, check out her website here:
Photos Credit: Viv Barclay
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