University News Last updated 29 November
A BCU Alumna is set to take part in the World’s Toughest Row to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Emma Gibb, who graduated from our BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing course in 2020, is part of ‘Team Force Atlantic’, who are aiming to be the first all-female British Army team to row the Atlantic Ocean in December 2024, as part of the World’s Toughest Row.
The World’s Toughest Row is an annual international event, starting from La Gomera and finishing 3000 miles west in Antigua. It’s an unsupported crossing, and all crews are to take everything required for the voyage.
Emma said: “Our campaign started back in 2022 with the intent to inspire people to take on challenges which push them out of their comfort zone. Believing in what you thought was not possible.
“I saw a recruitment poster went out on social media which read ‘4 women, 4 soldiers, 1 ocean’. When I saw it on Instagram, I thought what an incredible opportunity this was and checked the small print to see what the requirements were. Thankfully no previous rowing experience was required so I immediately signed up.”
Emma is rowing in a team with eight other women, four of whom make up the rowing team, and five who are the support crew.
The team are from different corps within the regular and reserve British Army.
Emma said: “I’m aware how fortunate I am to have this opportunity, and I feel very privileged to be a part of this team.
“Inspiring others is one of our values. It doesn’t matter what that challenge may be, the aim is to do something that pushes you outside of your comfort zone and see how far that takes you.”
The alumna chose to study at BCU because of its affiliation with the Army.
By day, Emma is a Nurse in the British Army, providing diverse primary healthcare services to military personnel and their families, and running clinics ranging from urgent care to routine health checks.
Emma said: “I was drawn to this area of nursing as I enjoy working in small, diverse teams where learning and progress is prioritised with the aim to enhance patient care.
“Working in this area has also shown me how effective continuity of care is and made me realise how much I value building relationships with patients and their families.”
Emma’s advice for current students and graduates is to find your friends. She said: “They know what you’re really going through as you’re all in it together; So, when times get challenging, you know you’ll have each other.
“Also, don’t be afraid to raise your concerns, don’t be afraid to question, don’t be afraid to ask, and don’t be afraid of not knowing.”
You can follow Team Force Atlantic on instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn