Laura Penhaul, the 31-year-old Paralympic lead physiotherapist who is rowing across the Pacific, met pupils from Ewell Castle Junior School during their weekly assembly and answered questions they had about her forthcoming rowing trip. Laura explained the preparation and work that has gone into organization the challenge which has Kylie Minogue as its patron.
Laura has previously run the Paris and London marathons, competed in Barcelona and Geneva triathlons, rock climbed and ice climbed in Chamonix; she has her Advanced PADI and skis. Now she’s going to be joining three other women and together, as the Coxless Crew, they will be rowing across the Pacific, from San Francisco to Cairns, covering 3,028 miles in 50 days. Charities being supported as part of the endeavour are Walking with the Wounded and Breast Cancer Care.
Asked why she is doing the row, Laura replied: “Having worked in Paralympic sport for a number of years, I have worked with a lot of people who have faced and overcome life-changing situations, and they work on a daily basis to maximise their abilities. I’m passionate about supporting and helping people to work to their best abilities, with or without a disability, especially when you can see true potential and you can help them to believe it’s possible.”
Laura and her Coxless Crew aim to raise over £250,000 for the two charities. Supporters can ‘buy’ a mile of the journey for £10.
