This Spring, 23-year-old Sarah Outen will set out from Australia’s west coast on the greatest endurance challenge of her life, when she attempts to make history by becoming the first woman to row the 3000 miles of the Indian Ocean.

Sarah's voyage is in memory of her late father, Derek Outen, who throughout Sarah’s life lived with rheumatoid arthritis until his untimely death in 2006.

For this reason Sarah has chosen Arthritis Care as her charitable partner.  Having experienced first-hand the effect arthritis can have on her own family Sarah is keen to make a positive difference to the lives of other people with arthritis. 

Director of Public Affairs for Arthritis Care, Rachel Haynes, says “Arthritis Care is delighted Sarah has chosen to champion our work through this inspiring voyage, honouring her late father Derek.  Like her own solo marathon, living with arthritis is a lonely and painful journey, and Sarah understands why Arthritis Care is so valuable in helping people of all ages to push their own limits and challenge its constraints."

Sarah hopes to set no fewer than four world records on her epic ocean voyage: the first woman, the fastest person, the youngest person to cross the Indian Ocean and the youngest solo rower to cross any ocean.  “Physically this is going to be the toughest challenge I have ever faced, but I will not give up,” says Sarah.

“Any pain I suffer on this journey pales into insignificance beside the excruciating pain suffered by my dad.  My voyage also charts the crazy grief road I have walked, crawled and stumbled along since his death in 2006.  Saltwater is said to be a healer, so I’m hoping I’ll reach some sort of peace out there on the waves,” she says.

Preparations are in full swing for Sarah’s departure in March. 

Related Links:
www.sarahouten.co.uk