Blackburn rower’s 3,000 mile feat almost complete (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn rower’s 3,000 mile feat almost complete

4:00pm Friday 20th January 2012 in Blackburn By David Watkinson, Deputy news editor

A BLACKBURN woman is less than 150 miles away from an incredible rowing world record.

Helen Leigh and her four ‘Row for Freedom’ team mates are on the verge of completing their 3,000 Atlantic rowing challenge.

They are expected to arrive in Barbados tomorrow night, 46 days after leaving the Canary Islands, four days ahead of the current female crossing record.

Helen, from Blackburn, said that she was now struggling with exhaustion.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph via satellite telephone, the former St Wilfrid’s High School pupil said: “It is very hot, which is affecting us all, but we know that we are nearly there now.

“We’re looking forward to having a big meal and a drink. My parents Jean and John are travelling out.

“I think when we get there it is going to be overwhelming because I haven’t seen anyone other than the other four girls since the beginning of December.”

The team is taking part in the famous Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, dubbed the world's toughest rowing race.