British family plans Atlantic row for suicide awareness

A British family plans to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to raise money for Suicide & Co and encourage more open discussion of suicide after the death of husband and father Robert Ash.

Charlotte Ash and her children Camilla, Henry and James are preparing to take part in the World's Toughest Row, travelling from the Canary Islands to Antigua in December 2027. The crossing is expected to take 50 to 60 days in a 28-foot boat.

Robert Ash died by suicide on September 19, 2023. Henry Ash, 32, said the challenge was not about a personal achievement but about the charity, awareness and helping people feel able to talk about suicide.

The family had no rowing experience until this summer. They have completed a 36-hour non-stop training row in the North Sea and have raised more than £360,000.

Henry said Suicide & Co helped the family talk through what had happened, including through individual counselling after Robert's death. He said he wanted to do the row with his family because of the reason behind the challenge.

Charlotte Ash, 63, said the plan was still frightening but that she was “marginally less terrified” after gaining experience. Camilla Ash said being family could help them move past arguments during the crossing.

Guinness World Records has confirmed that the family would be the fastest family to row across the Atlantic Ocean.