Sophie's epic adventure

Back in February, Cruising Free, a team of rowers from Neyland Rowing Club, Pembrokeshire, began their 3,200 mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the Atlantic Dash 2025, one of the toughest endurance events in the world, the team’s epic challenge took 53 days, setting off from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and finishing in Antigua in the Caribbean. 

The team was made up of our trustee Sophie Pierce and her crewmates Polly, Miyah, and Janine. In completing the challenge, history was made: Sophie became the first person with cystic fibrosis to row an ocean, and Janine at 70 the oldest woman. The team also raised an incredible £26,259 for three charities, including Cystic Fibrosis Trust. 

“It was the most unbelievable feeling to complete it,” Sophie says. “It was satisfying to finish what we set out to achieve, especially given the challenges and my CF. But also, it was amazing to recognise how advancements in CF care made this possible. It’s opened conversations about possibilities for others living with CF.” 

Sophie grew up believing her life expectancy would be no longer than 30 years, but with Kaftrio her life has changed dramatically. “Living with cystic fibrosis has given me times when I’ve not been well enough to live the life I’ve wanted to, and so I absolutely wanted to make the most of my newfound health. For me, this row wasn’t just a crazy personal adventure, it’s also a chance to reimagine the future of cystic fibrosis and bring hope that one day, everyone with CF will be able to cruise free through life.” 

The challenge, as you’d expect, was far from plain sailing, with everything from four-metre-high waves to the exhaustion that comes with rowing for over 10 hours a day. “The first week was hell – welcome to the world of ocean rowing,” laughs Sophie. “Everything felt so hard, adjusting to such a harsh environment.” 

Sophie adds: “It was exhausting, and at times we thought, ‘Oh my God, we’re stuck out here.’ But gradually everything started to get better, which was amazing.” 

Another challenge was keeping on top of her cystic fibrosis while in the middle of the ocean. “During the row, I took my normal medication plus 3 to 4 nebulizers daily. Taking tablets and doing nebulizers in a small, wet, moving boat was difficult. I had to wedge myself in and lie flat to do treatments,” explains Sophie.

There was also lots of preparation in the lead-up to the challenge, and Sophie worked with her CF team for over two years to ensure her health wouldn’t be compromised. “My CF team was incredible. They supported my training, physiotherapy, and medication planning,” says Sophie. 

As the event approached, we worked with pharmacists to ensure medications could be stored properly despite heat and limited power. For example, I needed a fridge on the boat – unusual for ocean rowing – so we added extra solar panels. 

“We also developed a health maintenance and emergency plan in case I became unwell. This included priority medications and step-up plans. The medical teams for the event and my CF centre had copies.” 

And despite the tough moments, the highlights were incredible and far outweighed the difficulties, Sophie says. “When the navigation lights were off, we rowed under a sky full of stars, saw comets, shooting stars, and even an eclipse. Life was simple out there: row, eat, sleep, repeat. That simplicity was beautiful compared to modern life.” 

The bond with her teammates is also something she’ll never forget. “We supported each other fully, connecting deeply with no pretense. We played silly games, shared stories, and had deep conversations,” says Sophie. 

And her advice for anyone else with CF looking to take on their own challenge? “Go for it! You’ll have to work hard, but don’t let CF be a barrier. Talk to your CF care team, learn how CF affects you, plan for eventualities, and surround yourself with supportive people who push and believe in you."

This week is National Trustees Week and we'd like to say a huge thank you to Sophie, and all of our amazing trustees, for the time, expertise and passion they put into the Trust. From supporting our teams to guiding our strategy, they make such a difference for the CF community. 

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