A former Saffron Walden student is one of four women rowing across the Atlantic to tackle the climate crisis.
Hatty Carder, who graduated from Saffron Walden County High School (SWCHS) in 2010, will row 3,000 miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua this December.
She will be accompanied by fellow rowers Bobbie Mellor, Katherine Antrobus and Hila Coggins. Calling themselves the WaveBreakers, the crew spans four decades - as Hatty is in her 20s, Bobbie is in her 30s, Katherine is in her 40s and Hila is in her 50s.
The four women all work for Vodafone, which has a foundation that put a call out for employees to apply for the challenge.
Following interviews and physical tests, the four women were selected and WaveBreakers was born.
Through their journey, they hope to raise awareness of climate change and raise money for charities protecting those on the frontline of the crisis - including vulnerable animal species and refugees forced to leave their homes.
WaveBreakers are hoping for a net-zero carbon crossing, with the funds raised going towards WWF - who run programmes to support the planet - and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
Hatty, who used to work at Waitrose in Saffron Walden, said: "I have incredibly fond memories of my time at SWCHS and working in town.
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"At school, I was never the sporty one and always missed a spot in the sports teams. I did manage DofE and I think that’s what sparked a sense of adventure in me.
"Now I am embarking on my biggest adventure ever, something I never thought I would be capable of taking on!
"I only started rowing after lockdown, as I wanted to start a new hobby, so this is very much out of my comfort zone."
Only 36 female crews have attempted to row the Atlantic, and WaveBreakers will compete alongside 40 to 50 teams from around the world.
They will take everything they need with them for up to 55 days at sea, and will be confined to a 28-feet boat.
To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wavebreakers2023.
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