Bearsden mum at mid-point of bid to row across the Atlantic

Leanne Maiden has been at sea for almost 40 days, navigating tragedy, loneliness and a capsized boat as she looks to complete an epic charity challenge.

The 42-year-old set sail from the Canary Islands on December 13 with the goal of conquering what is considered to be the world's toughest row across a 3,000-mile body of water stretching from La Gomera to Antigua. 

She has now gone through the midway point of her voyage, which began with a 24-hour delay due to 50-foot waves before she encountered brutal heat and fierce weather caused by low pressure.

The Bearsden woman is raising funds for three causes, The Polar Academy UK, The Women’s Fund for Scotland and The Mabel Foundation - and pledges have already saw her smash through the £5,000 barrier. 

Leanne at sea (Image: Contributed)

Leanne said: “To reach this milestone means I can celebrate the wins so far as there have been tough times.  When I passed 1,000 miles, my dad pointed out that it was the equivalent of rowing from my home in Scotland to Cape Town, which put things into perspective. I'm really proud to have come this far.

“I’ve never spent 12 hours in my own company in my life, now I’m approaching 40 days during which I haven't seen anything except water."

Leanne also spoke about the moment that threatened to sink her epic challenge as her boat overturned in stormy seas.

She said: "I never felt more alone than when my boat capsized; that’s when it would have been great to have someone here with me to cope with the physical and mental challenge of getting back on track. But I did it and I feel stronger than ever having made it this far as I'm definitely growing in confidence. I believe I can do it."

The journey, initially expected to take approximately 85 days, has proven to be an extreme test of endurance for the mum-of-two. Leanne has had to regularly dive into the ocean to clean barnacles off her boat and admits she has also missed some home comforts while living life on the crest of a wave. 

Leanne on her vessel (Image: World's Toughest Row)

She continued: “The thing I’m struggling with most is the lack of a flushable toilet. It's not much fun sitting on a bucket when you're being battered by a three-metre wave, and I'm missing a comfy bed too.

“At the start I felt so glad to not be in the daily grind of life. Not having to think about grocery lists and think about what everyone's going to eat every night, doing laundry and make sure everyone's like ready for school and all that kind of stuff. 

“And then there's just so much nothingness. You start to miss your ordinary routine. I have really started to appreciate the small, simple things in life."

Leanne has also experienced everything from sleep deprivation to salt sores, while psychological challenges have been made even more complex following the recent passing of Alisdair Putt, who was skippering a rowing boat in the same Atlantic journey.

Leanne (Image: Contributed)

She said: "Even though you're scattered about the ocean these people become important to you. 

“I was so sorry to hear the news, it made me really want to give my children and husband an extra big cuddle."

In the midst of the physical and emotional challenges, Leanne found a moment of celebration on Christmas Day, enjoying a sip of Wolfcraig Gin, who are sponsoring her fundraising mission. 

Wolfcraig founder Jamie Lunn said: “We’ve been cheering Leanne every step of the way. We’re all behind her. There will be plenty more drinks on us once she arrives back home.”