Farmer’s daughter sets record with charity Atlantic crossing

A Yorkshire farmer’s daughter has completed a solo rowing race across the Atlantic in record time, raising thousands of pounds for mental health charities.

Miriam Payne, 23, from Market Weighton, completed the world’s toughest rowing challenge, crossing a 3,000-mile stretch of the Atlantic ocean to raise funds for the Wellbeing of Women and Mind charities.

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She crossed the finish line in Antigua last week with a time of 59 days, 16 hours and 36 minutes, setting a new record as the fastest female solo rower to cross the Atlantic – beating the previous record by 2 hours and 38 minutes.

© Seas The Day

Under the rules, Ms Payne was not able to accept help, repairs, or water supplies, receiving the majority of her 5,000 calories per day from re-hydrated meals, and two mini Christmas cakes baked by her mother. 

A far cry from the East Yorkshire farm where she grew up, the crossing brought its challenges, including broken oars on Christmas Day, and circling sharks underneath the boat.

But it was also filled with moments of beauty, including spotting whales and shooting stars.

So far Miriam, who recently graduated from university with a degree in astrophysics, has raised more than £13,000 for her two chosen charities.

© NFU