Pembrokeshire women hit half way mark in gruelling 3,200 mile Atlantic row

Published

10 months ago

March 4, 2025

For the past 31 days, four Pembrokeshire women have been experiencing some of the most challenging living conditions imaginable.

Their home is a 10-metre rowing boat currently positioned 1,690 nautical miles out in the Atlantic Ocean. Five kilometres below them lies the seabed.

Their tiny vessel is having to combat waves reaching up to 4.5 metres in height while their diet consists solely of air-dried meals. Current sea conditions, however, are making their consumption virtually impossible. Their toilet is a bucket, and their sleep is broken by the discomfort of their foul weather gear and the constant slamming of the waves. Simple things, such as brushing their hair and teeth, are near impossible to accomplish.

Welcome aboard the Cruising Free Atlantic Row.

“This is undoubtedly the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever experienced. And I mean it,” said Miyah Periam, 24, who is the youngest rower to take part in the 3,200 mile row that will take them from Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, to Antigua.

“Sitting on deck is painful, our mattresses are hard and last night there was some really rough water, so we decided that we didn’t want to row in the dark. It felt like I was sleeping in a coffin. “My core and my back are in such discomfort and despite having been out here now for four weeks, I’m still feeling seasick. And the food we’re eating is truly disgusting.”

Miyah, along with Sophie Pierce, 32, Polly Zipperlen, 50, and Janine Williams, 70, began their Atlantic Challenge on February 1, following three years of intricate planning.

The 3,200 nautical mile crossing equates to approximately 1.5 million oar strokes. But despite their rigorous training, the ocean began taking its toll within just 24 hours of their departure as the women became bruised from the waves’ interaction with their boat – The Spirit of Bluestone – and as they began to suffer seasickness.

“Rowing in these conditions is completely different to river or coastal rowing, which is obviously what we’re used to,” explained Janine, who has more than three decades of tough rowing experience behind her.

”But we continue to laugh, despite the discomfort and physical toil that this is having on our bodies.

“When conditions are choppy, everything becomes a bit one-sided, so it’s more about reading the waves. But regardless of what’s going on out there, we know that every stroke is taking us one step close to Antigua.”

Soon after leaving Lanzarote, the women were subjected to extreme heat and significantly calmer seas, but once again this made rowing conditions difficult.

“When the water is calm, rowing feels as if we’re stirring treacle as we’re getting no assistance from the waves,” explained Polly. “We’re also having to battle with the heat throughout the day as there’s no shade cover, and the cabins are baking hot with sweat, dampness and constantly being thrown around by the waves.”

At the end of last week, the Cruising Free team encountered rough seas, which made rowing particularly hard, after the boat entered a patch of two contrasting wave directions, resulting in very choppy waters.

“It was really hard to row and there was quite a lot of water coming onto the boat,” said Sophie. “And in situations like this, it’s really difficult to do anything except wait for calmer weather. But we know that Antigua is getting closer every day.”
The women have also expressed disappointment at the lack of wildlife that they’ve seen, however on Saturday, their shallow depth alarm sounded, suggesting that a whale could have been hovering beneath them.

“But considering that the ocean is about 5 km deep, there’s never any risk of shallow water,” added Janine.

Once their crossing is complete, the Cruising Free Atlantic Row will have set two new world records, with Sophie being the first woman with cystic fibrosis to row the Atlantic, and Janine being the oldest woman. Their row is also raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the Paul Sartori Foundation and Emily’s Entourage.

“Yes, there are times when this feels like a real nightmare,” said Miyah. “Even the simple, everyday things like brushing our teeth is desperately difficult and our toilet is just a bucket.

“We’re completely at the mercy of Mother Nature and we know that we’re really vulnerable. Everything is completely unpredictable.

Miyah samples one of the many flying fish that lands on deck, in a bid to spice up her mundane diet.

“Yes, we can row, but this can only be done in certain directions and we can’t really control our speed.

“The main thing is acceptance and humility. And I know that these are things that I can take forward with me into the rest of my life.”

Cruising Free Atlantic Row can be followed on Facebook where they share regular posts via Starlink. Donations can also be made via a link on the Facebook page.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

14 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.