But a Dream: - 'New Beginnings'
Two Girls a Boat and an Ocean –
Two girls from regional Australia rowing a boat! Some say that’s crazy. We say, why not!
Ange and Rosie are both adventurous spirits having spent their years dabbling in a variety of sports: kayaking, triathlons; trail running; swimming, riding and many more. Now they want to try a challenge outside their comfort zone. The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge has been a challenge Rosie has been dreaming of completing since 2018. With ups and downs she knew this was one challenge she would have to work hard for to guarantee she reaches the start line.
To new beginnings - Ange and Rosie met in 2020 and soon realized they both have the same love of sport and experiencing new things as each other. During a coffee catch up the unexpecting Ange had no idea her future would soon change. Ange confidently came onboard. And with excitement in the air Ange and Rose began their new venture together!
But a Dream will be raising awareness and funds for the McGrath Foundation. A foundation close to Rosie’s heart, having suffered breast cancer herself 7 years ago during her last pregnancy. The McGrath Foundation supports breast cancer patients and families by providing a Breast Care Nurse from diagnosis through to treatment. An invaluable service which should be available to everyone suffering from the effects of breast cancer.
In addition to raising funds for their charities, Ange and Rosie believe strongly in building awareness, courage and strength in the younger generations to view the world with endless possibilities available to them. By completing the row they want to inspire others to believe in themselves, see their true potential and dream big!
As quoted by Walt Disney:
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Rose Arnel
Age: 40
Height: 163 cm
Interests: Go-karting; Kayaking; Triathlons; Trail running; Mountain and Road Bike.
I committed to this challenge to test and extend my strength and resilience. I believe our mind and body are capable of more than we realise - with our abilities increasing as we push through each of our barriers.
My perspectives changed during my last pregnancy when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was faced with challenges I never imagined my family would have to experience. Recently, I have experienced more adversity through my husbands health. I am stronger than I thought possible and greatly believe in the mind and body. I look forward to pushing my limits and seeing just how far I can go!
Completing this challenge will be an accomplishment that will change my future. I hope to be an inspiration to others to believe in themselves and have the courage to overcome their own barriers, or believe enough in their dreams to bring them to life.
Ange Lawrence
Age: 30
Height: 158cm
Interests: Trail running; cycling; frisbee; soccer; swimming; yoga; dancing.
Being 7th of 8 children, I remember always wanting to be like my older siblings and involving myself in whatever they did. Growing up in Port Moresby, the sports I was exposed to were soccer, volleyball and of course, rugby. The State of Origin game nights used to be wild with happy and angry supporters in the same family!! When I moved to Townsville at the age of 10, I couldn’t believe how many opportunities were available. Dancing ballet, learning to swim, learning to ride a bike and running cross country for my school were things I wholeheartedly enjoyed. It is safe to say, I peaked in primary school. Jokes aside though, those years set me up to appreciate the benefits of physical activity as a way of meeting new people and a very healthy outlet to let off steam. Now I love to run, swim, throw the frisbee, walk and talk with a friend and take on new challenges…did someone say row across the Atlantic?!
My pursuit of fun and adventure has at times literally led me astray. Getting lost for 8 hours in the Cook Islands on a hike for example, was an ordeal. Another time, a friend and I spent 10 hours being bogged and ended up having to wade through swampy water to get home during croc season. Recently, I tricked my partner into running 30kms on my 30th birthday. He didn’t appreciate the chaffing afterwards. I was even part of the slack lining craze. There was the time I got into line dancing on Tuesday nights with retirees. I tried judo and kendo in Japan and, in 2015, I felt really inspired one night to register for a marathon, giving myself 8 months to prepare. Never done one since.
Turning 30 years old this year has made me think of how I want the next decade to go. I want to channel that childhood enthusiasm of just wanting to have a go and three decades of life to get through this opportunity of a lifetime because life is, but a dream.