
Sea Legs

Chris Howard

Emma Wolstenholme

Jason Mckinlay

Lamin Deen
Lamin joined the Grenadier Guards in 1998 at the age 16, where he quickly took to the way of life with his eyes firmly set on climbing the ranks. By the age of 18, Lamin had already travelled to different parts of the world including conflict zones. He also engaged in the ceremonial role, having had the honour of guarding of the Royal Households and participating in the Queen's birthday parade. In 2012, he transitioned into fulltime professional sport as he showed huge potential in the sporting arena. He then went on to participate in the 2014 and 2018 winter Olympic games, winning medals in the world cup and setting British and other speed records. Lamin now has his eyes firmly set on his third Olympic games in 2022.

Sophie Harris
Born in Torbay, South Devon, moved around in my childhood, and I was even lucky enough to have lived in Cyprus for a few years. At the age of 17 I moved to Scotland and I lived there for 6 years, where I studied Access to Nursing at Moray college UHI. My daughter was born in 2004. I worked in the hospitality sector, as well as agency care work, before I then moved back to Devon in 2009.
I was born with Talipes Equinovarus and suffered with arthritis in my early 20's and developed Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. After several operations and losing my way with life and my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, I decided that amputation would be my best option; this happened on the 2nd of February 2017. When I knew this was going ahead, I took up Coastal Rowing with Mayflower ORC, largely to say I have tried it- little did I know that I would catch the rowing bug and be invited to Talent ID for GB Para Rowing in the August of 2017. I took up fine boat rowing with Dart Totnes ARC, and in March 2018 I was successful at gaining a place on the GB Para Development squad. That same year I started a Foundation degree in Sports Therapy with City College Plymouth. In December 2018 I was lucky enough to earn Bronze at the British Rowing Indoor championships, however in November 2019, I had to withdraw from the squad following the passing of my coach. However, this was not the end, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and experience, but I decided it was time for a shift in direction. After successful completion of my foundation degree, I carried on to my BSc Hons in Sports Rehabilitation and had to have revision surgery in October 2020.
I enjoy taking part in various challenges varying from the St Luke's Midnight Walk whilst using crutches in 2010, to the more recent Somerset 525 virtual rowing champs, Dorset Conquer the Cape 725km indoor and outdoor rowing, to the 3 peaks Challenge for Love Rowing. I am also an intern Sports therapist for Plymouth Albion RFC and I am on track to start my MSc in Pre reg Physiotherapy in September 2021.
As I face challenges daily, I thought why not add another by taking on a row around Great Britain. Since finding this opportunity. it has allowed for a big tick off the bucket list, and the competing and completing with the crew will also be a huge achievement and certainly further shape me as a person.
