'I beat cancer and now I'm rowing the Pacific'

Felicity Ashley is to take on the challenge of rowing the largest ocean on earth after overcoming bowel cancer.

The 49-year-old from Benson in Oxfordshire is one of three in a Row for Life team training at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy ahead of tackling the Pacific.

In June 2026, the crew will set off from Monterey, California to Kaua'i, Hawaii in an open, unsupported ocean rowing boat. They hope to make it to Hawaii in less than 40 days.

The boat is the length of two small cars and their toilet is a bucket.

In 2021 Felicity rowed the Atlantic in a team with her sister, during which she had early signs of bowel cancer which would lead to surgery on her return.

The mum of three also lost her father to renal cancer a day after she began her own chemotherapy treatment.

"I know how proud he was of Pip and me, and how much he treasured coming out to Antigua to see us finish the race. I've always wanted to do another ocean row.

"Last year I did the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, which involves a 10-day trek to base camp, followed by a marathon."

"It feels like I'm proving that I'm not just better, I'm stronger."

Felicity's teammates also have their own experiences with cancer which is why they wanted to join the challenge.

South African Janette Potgieter, known as JP, lives in Surbiton and has twice had melanomas, whilst Victoria Bell from Scotland lost her father to a neuro-endocrine cancer.

The three women are training off the Dorset coast and are hoping they can raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK.