IN JANUARY, Cruising Free, a team of rowers from Neyland Rowing Club, Pembrokeshire, will begin their 3200-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic. Part of the Atlantic Dash 2025, one of the toughest endurance events in the world, the team’s challenge will set off from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and end in Antigua in the Caribbean.

The team will be attempting to break two world records and raise money for both Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori, Hospice at Home.

Sophie, 31, is the youngest member of the team and is living with cystic fibrosis (CF). She hopes to become the first person with the condition to row the Atlantic, and any ocean. Janine, 69, will be 70 when she undertakes the challenge and hopes to become the oldest woman to row the Atlantic, and any ocean.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food. There are over 11,000 people with CF living in the UK. Of those who died from cystic fibrosis in 2022, the median age of death was just 33 years of age.

Sophie said: “Three years ago I was incredibly lucky to gain access to a drug trial for a modulator drug, and to put it simply, it has changed my life. With a new level of health that I never ever thought I’d have, it was time to think about new possibilities, which led me to think about rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Living with cystic fibrosis has given me times when I’ve not been well enough to live the life I’ve wanted to, and so I absolutely want to make the most of my newfound health. For me, this row isn’t just a crazy personal adventure, it’s also a chance to reimagine the future of cystic fibrosis and bring hope that one day, everyone with CF will be able to cruise free through life.”

Sophie grew up believing her life expectancy would be no longer than 30 years, however, with new medication her life has been revolutionised. Though these medications have helped improve the lives of many, they do not work for everyone, and they are not a cure. Team Cruising Free are raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust, who through research and support, are working towards a future where everyone with CF can lead a long and full life.

Polly, 49, will be 50 when she rows the Atlantic. She said her life completely changed as a result of the pandemic, working as a nurse in the NHS. She describes the challenge as a bit of a midlife crisis, and with two teenage boys and a husband waiting at home, she said “when we are mid-Atlantic, I am looking forward to not having to wash muddy rugby kit or do the school-run for 6 weeks!”

Janine, 69 has been sea rowing for over 30 years; the nearest that she has come to ocean rowing is the rowing race across the Irish Sea. She has four children and six grandchildren and is retired from the NHS. She said: “Until recently I have always rejected the idea of rowing the Atlantic – it sounds really uncomfortable and difficult! But this time I realised that if I don’t do it now, then I may never do it. I am so lucky to have such an amazing team to complete this challenge with, and who will be there to help me gain the World Record for the oldest woman to have rowed an ocean.”

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is a registered charity offering free, specialised supportive care and advice for those in the later stages of any life-limiting illness. During the end-of-life period of both her mother and father, Janine and her family benefited from the invaluable services provided by Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The support that the family received enabled her parents to be with their loved ones at home in familiar surroundings. As a nurse, Polly has witnessed first-hand the complexities of the provision of end-of-life care and knows the importance of Paul Sartori’s supportive care and advice to those living in Pembrokeshire.

To find out more, and support Cruising Free, go to linktr.ee/cruisingfree

POLICE in Milford Haven are investigating after a woman died in the early hours of Friday morning, after the Welsh Ambulance Service were called to a medical emergency.

Two males were arrested by officers for drugs offences.

One was 27 years old, whilst the other was an 82-year-old pensioner.

The woman has been named locally as Lauren Mills, 27.

Her mother, Denise, posted on social media on Saturday saying: “We received the devastating news out beautiful daughter was taken from this world. I have no words to how we’re feeling – this is a living nightmare – we love you so much Lau.”

A spokesperson for the police told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Monday (May 20): “Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating a sudden death at a property in Milford Haven.

“The force received a call reporting a medical emergency shortly before 1am on Friday, May 17.

“A woman was taken to hospital by Ambulance where she sadly passed away.

“Her next of kin have been informed. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

“Two men, aged 27 and 82, were arrested on suspicion of supplying a Class A drug, and have been released on bail and enquiries are ongoing.”

When thinking about a fall arrest system, we tend to put the focus on the anchors and the actual harness itself. They are obviously very important, but there is a little piece of the system that is oftentimes overlooked: the lanyard.

In order to ensure proper fall protection, each component has to be right. Choosing a fall arrest lanyard is more involved than it might seem. If you are in the market for a new fall arrest lanyard, here are a few things worth taking into consideration.

Fall Force

Among the most important factors when choosing fall arrest lanyards is the specified fall force. Being educated on these components ultimately leads to improved safety. Knowing fall force before making your choice can mean the difference between life and death depending on the job.

Each fall arrest lanyard is rated to support a certain amount of force. For instance, a worker that is about 200 pounds will be subject to as much as 8,000 pounds of force from a fall of 10 feet on abrupt force. There are other factors (including the next one) that play a role in fall force, so be aware of them before comparing fall force parameters.

Length

Choosing fall arrest lanyards isn’t just done on a whim. A critical aspect of getting the right lanyard is ensuring that you have the proper length. In order to limit free falls, it is advised that no more than six feet in length be available when using a fall arrest lanyard. The more room there is to fall, the greater the potential force and impact.

Though there are different fall arrest lanyards featuring different lengths, the idea is to keep things shorter. Some systems are not meant to prevent falls, but rather prevent impact. It may be a better idea to look into a lanyard that helps to prevent falls altogether rather than simply softening the blow.

Compatibility

Though it might go without saying, you can’t necessarily just plug and play every lanyard and connector. Connectors, like snap hooks, scaffold hooks, web loops, or carabiners, should be appropriate at the connection point. Having a less than secure connection point compromises the safety of the worker in the event of a fall.

Many components aren’t interchangeable even if they come from the same manufacturer. It is crucial to evaluate the compatibility of each component to ensure a proper, secure fit. Proper manufacturers even put out technical bulletins to educate the use of each component. Connectors need to remain solid and in place, especially against the excess force exerted in the event of a fall.

Connector Specifications

OSHA is the regulatory firm that issues safety standards and regulations that businesses must follow. OSHA requires that all carabiners and snaphooks be self-closing and self-locking, for instance. Opening and releasing snap hooks need to have two deliberate actions so that it doesn’t open randomly or by accident.

Take the time to inspect all fall safety equipment, not just harnesses and lanyards. Look for signs of wear and tear, replacing components if there is any noticeable damage. Even seemingly miniscule wear and tear can result in a catastrophic failure. It is a risk that is not worth taking.

Fall safety equipment may not be the most complicated to use, but it requires attention to detail in order to ensure that it serves its purpose. Having as much information going into the situation as possible will ensure that every component works the way it was meant to, and that each worker wearing it will remain as safe as possible.