Changing Lives ambassador Penny Mallory is preparing to take on the biggest physical and mental challenge of her life, rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to raise vital funds and awareness for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
This December, Penny will join her Team Spirit crewmates Georgia-Lili Robertson and Susie Randle to take part in the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2026, crossing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
The team will set off on 12th December 2026 and expect to spend around 40 days at sea, rowing continuously, day and night, as they take on one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges.
Their journey is about much more than reaching the other side of the Atlantic. Team Spirit is using the challenge to raise awareness around suicide prevention and mental health, while raising funds to support the work of Changing Lives and Samaritans.
Penny, a former rally champion, mental toughness speaker and long-standing supporter and ambassador for Changing Lives, said:
“I am about to take on the biggest physical and mental challenge of my life. But I am choosing to do this – so many people are thrown hefty challenges in life that are not of their choosing or making.
“I want my adventure to be able to support, through Changing Lives, the people who need help, support and a reason to keep going.”
Stephen Bell OBE, Chief Executive of Changing Lives, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Penny and the whole Team Spirit crew for taking on such an extraordinary challenge. Their determination will help shine a light on the challenges so many people face every day, while raising vital funds to help us continue supporting people to build safer, more stable lives.”
3,000 miles for people facing their own challenges
For more than 55 years, Changing Lives has supported people facing the challenges of homelessness and the complex circumstances that can often come alongside it, including trauma, poor mental health, abuse, addiction and poverty.
Every day, our teams work alongside people at some of the most difficult points in their lives, providing the practical and long-term support they need to move towards greater safety, stability and independence.
That work is at the heart of why Penny and Team Spirit are taking on the Atlantic.
During the crossing, the three-person crew will live together on board their ocean rowing boat, Legacy. They will row around the clock while carrying the food, equipment and supplies they need for their journey.
The physical demands are immense, with rowers expected to burn thousands of calories every day while dealing with sleep deprivation, changing weather, waves and weeks spent in the confined surroundings of the boat.
Carrying the names of loved ones across the Atlantic
Team Spirit has also created a Hull of Remembrance, giving people the opportunity to add the name of someone they have lost, alongside a personal message, to Legacy.
Those names will travel with the crew for the entire 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic, creating a powerful tribute to people who have died and ensuring their stories remain part of the challenge.
The team hopes the campaign will encourage more open conversations about mental health, suicide prevention and the importance of reaching out for support when life becomes overwhelming.
Team Spirit is aiming to raise £100,000 through the campaign. Funds raised through its main fundraising campaign are currently allocated between Samaritans, Changing Lives and supporting the costs of making the Atlantic row possible.
Penny, Georgia-Lili and Susie are now continuing their training and preparations ahead of setting off from La Gomera on 12th December 2026.
We’ll be following their journey over the coming months and sharing updates as Team Spirit prepares to take on the Atlantic.
To find out more about Team Spirit, support the challenge, make a donation or add a name to the Hull of Remembrance, visit www.teamspiritatlanticrow.com.
For additional information or any questions please contact the Communications team.
