Two Scots women will tackle an impressive rowing feat to raise money for charity.
Backed by Sir Boyd Tunnock, the legendary owner of Tunnock's, daring rowers Sabrina Simpson and Leanne Maiden will row thousands of miles across the Atlantic in a caramel wafer emblazoned boat.
The 90-year-old biscuit boss "launched" the vessel at the firm's factory in Uddingston on Friday, March 24.
Sir Boyd has been a passionate sailor for over 60 years and skippers his own yacht called Lemarac (caramel spelled backwards).
He said: “Only 13 pairs of women have ever attempted this feat.
“It’s a test of endurance and skill, rowing two hours on two hours off, for up to 60 days.
“I’m inspired by the girls and their tenacity, and I’m delighted to be backing their campaign.”
The challenge starts at La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12. Sabrina and Leanne will then row 3000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua in the Caribbean.
They will row two hours on and two hours off for 24 hours a day.
Mum of two Leanne, 41, is an osteopath from Bearsden. Her rowing partner Sabrina, 44, teaches pilates in Stirling.
The women had never rowed before they signed up for the challenge during lockdown in February 2021.
Now, they call themselves She rOars. They need to raise £200,000 to complete the race and donate to their three charities: The Women’s Fund for Scotland, The Polar Academy and The Mabel Foundation.
So far, they have raised £75,000 from a range of sponsors like Tunnock's.
Leanne said: "We’re well on our way, but we need others to get behind us.
“We’re training hard on rowing machines and on the rivers and lochs of Scotland, before we move on to the Irish Sea, the western side of Scotland and the Caledonian Canal.”
Sabrina added: “The record we are trying to beat is 45 days but the estimated time for the journey is 50-60 days.
“We’re so grateful to Tunnock’s for their cash injection.
“We’ll eat freeze-dried food during the challenge but have a huge supply of caramel wafers on board to keep us going.”
To find out more or to donate, click here.
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