I am currently serving as a fire Fighter in mid and west Wales busiest fire station. Where we respond to fire as well as water rescue calls. I’ve spent 24 years as outdoor educator and mountaineering instructor so have had the opportunity to lead, coach and play in some of the worlds most hostile environments.
I completed the Marathon des sables (160miles in 6 days), the Devisers to Westminster kayak race (125 miles in 24hours). And swam solo but with support from Mumbles to Aberavon (7 miles in 2 hours or so).
These endeavours have galvanised the fact that I love people. All my experiences have been aimed at, or improved by, making people stronger, safer and more confident.
In 2022 I suffered a significant ankle injury which saw me out of action for several months. The firefighters charity helped me regain fitness and rehabilitate past what I thought would be “forever pain”.
I have chosen to take on this unfathomable challenge to help raise awareness for the firefighters charity so that others can receive the help that I did and return to the emergency service front line, as an effective asset ready to help those in need.
CHRIS REES
MARK EDWARDS
Having been a firefighter since 2016, I’ve faced and had to overcome many stressful situations and pressures, both mentally and physically. I am currently posted as an instructor within training delivery of Technical Rescue. This includes power boat operations, swift water rescue, large animal rescue and rope access.
I have always enjoyed pushing my own limits and boundaries. From hiking the mountains of the Brecon Beacons and Snowdon, 56 miles around the Gower coast in 15 hours, open water SCUBA diving, completing a 15,000 foot skydive and various other fitness challenges.
So, when I was unexpectedly offered the opportunity to join Team Spirit for the World’s Toughest Row, I naturally jumped at the chance !
The team is a great mix of various talents and abilities, which I know will be fundamental to its success and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.
I’m an Australian that’s found herself living long term in the UK. I’m a cat lover, and an aspiring aerialist (I’m still planning to run away and join the circus one day!)
I have spent the last few decades as cabin crew or as a private nanny (both jobs I love!), and through nannying, I met Penny about 20 years ago.
We have had many adventures and challenges together; boxing matches and triathlons just to name a few…When she first mentioned rowing the Atlantic, I thought she was mad. Then years later, after experiencing some turbulent times, and surviving breast cancer, I thought I best jump at the chance - and not miss such an incredible opportunity.
So Penny and I put together Team Spirit. I am terrified and excited about finding out what I’m made of..
I will be raising funds for Macmillan Cancer support.
SUSIE RANDLE
I am a former Rally Champion, TV presenter and now a Keynote Speaker on Mental Toughness.
I have always loved a challenge and have taken part in many over the years. I’ve climbed two of the 7 worlds highest summits, fought in two boxing fights, run multiple marathons and entered many fitness competitions, and a few other things too!
However, rowing the Atlantic has been on my radar for about 7 years. So it’s an itch I have to scratch.
I am scared of water so am thrilled to be sharing this adventure with 3 extraordinary team mates who are keen to support and encourage me to build my confidence in and around boats and open water. It’s a massive and scary challenge, but together we will arrive in Antiqua, probably having survived some of the best and worst days of our lives!
I will be raising funds for Changing Lives, for whom I am a proud Ambassador.
PENNY MALLORY
