Row for Freedom – the team of five women who are rowing the Atlantic in order to raise money for ECPAT UK – have moved into fifth place in what has been described as ‘the world’s toughest rowing race’.

The women, none of whom had experience of rowing at sea before, have made amazing progress since departing from the Canary Islands at the beginning of December, and now have less than 500 miles remaining.

After more than a month on the ocean, battling fatigue, 30ft waves and seasickness, Row for Freedom looks on target to set two new world records – the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by an all-female crew and the first five woman team to row any ocean in the world – helping to raise the profile of ECPAT UK and our work on child trafficking.

Out of 17 teams that entered the race, only 11 remain – with others having to withdraw or be rescued due to difficulties.

Nonetheless, the Row for Freedom team are determined to raise awareness of the plight of child victims of trafficking. In particular, they want to garner support for ECPAT UK’s campaign call for a system of guardianship for child victims.

Read more about it on ECPAT UK’s website and their Facebook campaigns page, and please consider donating to this cause if you can.