Athlete to launch Atlantic boat

For the Shrewsbury adventurer is bidding to become the first adaptive athlete to row single-handed across the Atlantic – a journey she hopes will inspire others facing mental or physical trauma.

She will officially unveil her boat, called Storm Petrel, at GO Outdoors at Sundorne Retail Park at 10am today (SAT) and will be joined by Shropshire rowers Di Carrington and Sharon Magrath, two of the three Atlantic Ladies who have just returned from Antigua after 60 days at sea,

The ocean-rowing boat is due to carry her on the epic ‘Row To Raise’ challenge, which is aiming to generate over £50,000 for her charity.

Kelda will be explaining how she plans to survive for up to three months on the oceans, all alone when she takes part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge which starts from the Canary Islands in early December.

She runs Climbing Out, a charity that offers five-day outdoor activity programmes aimed at rebuilding confidence and self esteem in young people facing life-changing injury, illness or trauma, and she hopes the challenge will enable the charity to reach even more young people in the future.

After playing netball at national level and riding horses professionally, Kelda suffered a life-changing leg injury in 2002 when a haylage bale weighing nearly a tonne fell on top of her.

Determined not to allow this to halt her love of sport and activity, she became a member of the GB paracanoe squad, almost making it to the Paralympic Games in Rio.

But she admits that the transatlantic mission is going to be another huge learning curve.

“I’ve been on a huge journey since my own life-changing injury: a journey that’s included being a member of the GB Paracanoe squad, setting up Climbing Out, and summiting Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.

"Everyone told me that with my leg injury, it wouldn't be possible but with a few adaptions and a bit of determination, it was.

"I came back passionate about inspiring others that physical and mental trauma may be life changing, but it doesn't have to be life ending.

"Having being told about the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge I realised that doing it solo especially as an adaptive solo, would not only be the ultimate challenge, but would also give me a platform to hopefully inspire and motivate others facing life changing injury, illness or trauma I also aim to raise awareness about relevant support networks available."

Each day she is on the ocean, Kelda will be rowing for a different young person, sharing their stories and links to relevant charities and organisations that provide support.

Charities such as The Teenage Cancer Trust, Kidney Care UK, Limbpower and Help for Heroes will be nominating people for Kelda to row for, and helping to create a network of support.

Kelda is still on the lookout for sponsors, and mentors, to join her team. For more information go to rowtoraise.com.