Emily (second from left) and her team mates.

Epic charity row for alumna

Alumna Emily Blagden is in training for a rowing challenge which she hopes will set a new world record.

Emily, who graduated in 2009 with a BA in Economics with Geography, will set off with her team mates in June this year. They will row from Monterey Bay, California to Honolulu in Hawaii – a journey of 2,400 miles. The four will take it in turns to row in two hour shifts, with the aim of reaching Honolulu in 40 to 45 days.

As well as attempting to break the world record, the team hopes to raise £40,000 for Hope and Homes for Children, an international charity which aims to ensure all children are able to grow up within a family. As well as training for the voyage itself, Emily and her team mates will be holding various fundraising events over the next few months.

"The idea of spending 45 days at sea with three other girls in a 24 foot boat is both exciting and terrifying," said Emily. "We hope that our challenge will promote and raise funds for the great work carried out by Hope and Homes for Children."

The team plans to document the adventure through social media – both in the run up to, and during the event itself.

You can find out more about the project on their website or on twitter @boatylicious4

Date: 10 February 2014