A Yorkshire Family's Atlantic Rowing Challenge in Memory of Their Father
A grieving family from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is preparing for an extraordinary challenge: rowing the Atlantic Ocean in memory of their husband and father, Robert Ash, who died by suicide in September 2023. The team, known as Team Ash, consists of Charlotte Ash, 62, and her three grown-up children, Camilla, James, and Henry. Despite having no prior rowing experience, they are embarking on this 3,000-mile unsupported row to raise funds for the charity Suicide&Co, which provided vital counselling after Robert's death.
The Journey Ahead: From La Gomera to Antigua
The Ash family will set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands in December next year, aiming to reach Antigua in approximately 45 days, weather permitting. This epic challenge is a tribute to Robert, described by Charlotte as a "jolly, calm, and placid person" with a strong friendship group. She recalled the shock of his death, saying, "I had absolutely no idea that such a thing could ever have happened... it was, and is, utterly devastating." The raw grief, she noted, still comes in waves, leaving a permanent dull ache for what should have been.
Initiative and Preparation for the Row
The idea for the row came from Henry, 31, the youngest son, who admitted, "I'm not a rower, we're not really a water-based family," but had always wanted to row an ocean. He saw this as the perfect time to honour his father's memory. The family plans to purchase their boat this April to begin on-water training and will complete courses in sea navigation, weather routing, and first aid. Henry emphasized that "rowing an ocean is 90 per cent getting to the start line, the row is the victory lap of your campaign." To build stamina, James and Henry are running the London Marathon as fundraisers, and the family is spending extensive time in the gym.
Fundraising Goals and Impact
The goal is to raise £300,000, with over £200,000 going to Suicide&Co to fund more than 6,600 professional counselling sessions for people bereaved by suicide. The remainder will cover rowing costs, including the boat and training. Since launching their campaign in October, they have already raised over £105,000. Henry praised the charity, saying, "Suicide&Co have been an utter lifeline for us... they have given us a community in which we can grieve together." He added, "I hope anyone going through the same as what we are feel able to reach out and know there is hope after the darkest of times."
Support from Suicide&Co
Amelia Wrighton, CEO and co-founder of Suicide&Co, expressed gratitude for the Ash family's courage, stating, "Their courage in sharing their story and taking on this huge physical and mental challenge for Suicide&Co is immense." She highlighted that this is the charity's biggest fundraising challenge to date, which will significantly impact their ability to provide services and raise awareness about suicide loss. Wrighton added, "We are so proud to have supported the Ash Family in their grief journey and look forward to supporting them in this new challenge."
