Former Inverness primary school teacher to set off in world-first row around the UK in aid of dad who has Alzheimer's
A former Inverness primary school teacher is soon to set off on a world-first row around the UK.
Alison Barr (60) will set sail in a team of eight from Eyemouth on April 1, in the mammoth 2000 mile challenge, which is expected to take between 30 and 60 days.
Alison is raising funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, as her father Joe (86) is currently suffering from Alzheimer's and has now been in Raigmore for the past three weeks as they wait for a care package.
Having formerly taught at Cauldeen Primary School and Knockbain near Beauly, Alison has never taken a challenge on like this before, despite being an avid long-distance rower.
Speaking about the challenge, she said: “We are attempting a world first around Great Britain, with a crew of six women and two men.
“We will be sailing in Nanook, an ocean rowing boat. It’s going to be arduous as we will be going 24/7 with two hours on and two hours off.
“The way world records work we are not allowed to go to shore, so we will be on the water all the time! If it gets stormy we will sit in a bay.
“We are going counter-clockwise around the UK, so it’s going to be harder with the way tides work. It could be the world’s toughest row!
“There will be a live tracker link on our Counternavig8 Facebook page before we set off if anyone wants to follow us. We'll be passing the Moray Firth, so local clubs are welcome to come and say hello from the water.”
Alison and the rest of the team have been doing training together in Eyemouth in order to prepare for the challenge.
Each person is raising funds for charities close to their hearts, and for Alison, she chose Alzheimer's Research UK without hesitation because of her dad.
“So many people know someone with Alzheimer's”, she said.
“Developments won’t help my dad now, but they could help others in the future.
“My mum Margaret is now at home alone in Inverness, and my dad is still in Raigmore.
“We are waiting for a care package and he has recovered well from his fall. I would really like him to get a place soon so he can live in peace. He has a great social work team.
“He is aware when we visit, and when we do he lights up and knows who we are. He held my hand and told me ‘Don’t worry about me, I want to live’.
“I told him about my row and he’s thrilled.
“Alzheimer's is cruel. It’s hard to see the impact it’s had on him and that he is no longer at home.
“But I think I get my strength of mind for this challenge from him.”
Alison also emphasised that rowing is for everyone — no matter what status in life.
She said: “I’m from a working-class family and I want to show that anyone from any background can do this.
“Rowing is a fabulous sport for everyone and there are accessible clubs out there.”
If you want to support Alison on her challenge visit her Go Fund Me page.
