KES Alumnus on Atlantic Rowing Adventure

Molly Hemeter, previous head girl of KES (2015-2016) is embarking on an awesome journey this winter to raise awareness and funds for children’s brain cancer charity, Abbie’s Army, by taking on the challenge of a lifetime, rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Molly and three other team members will row together across the 3000-mile distance as part of the “World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic” race, eating, sleeping, and rowing in a boat barely 9 metres long! Setting off from La Gomera (Canary Islands) starting December 12^th 2024, the team will row unassisted all the way to Antigua (Caribbean), with a plan to take shifts of 3 hours of rowing followed by 3 hours of resting, until arriving at their destination some 40 – 50 days after setting out.

Last week Molly visited KES to raise awareness of the challenge and to inspire the next generation of young people, demonstrating that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible. On her visit, Molly gave an assembly talk to Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils and supported the rewards system by delivering King’s Awards to our worthy winners from years 7 – Sixth Form

Pupils and staff were eager to ask Molly questions about her training, the logistics, and the preparation that is required to row an ocean, as well as which sea creatures she may encounter along the way.

Molly Hemeter said:

 

“It was an honour to return to KES to talk with pupils about my upcoming challenge. Ten years ago I was sat where many of those pupils were, and so it was fantastic to hopefully inspire them to believe in themselves and that they are more resilient and determined than they may think they are. During my time at the school, I was supported by many teachers who saw the potential in me, and it was lovely to come back and meet some of them.”

To donate to team Atlantic Fusion visit their page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/atlantic-fusion, or to find out more visit https://atlantic-fusion.com/.

Darren Hollingsworth, Principal at King Edward VII Academy said:

 

“We are so proud of Molly and wish her all the very best in the challenge she is undertaking, it’s difficult to imagine just how tough her team’s journey will be across the Atlantic.

Molly embodies our KES values, especially those of determination, self-belief and teamwork, all of which will be necessary to complete this challenge. We are excited to follow her journey as it inspires the next generation of KES pupils and can’t wait to welcome her back to hear all about it.”

At KES we are planning to follow Molly’s journey in school and raise money to support Abbie’s Army, we will be keeping an eye on her journey and supporting the team every step of the way.