Three Flying Fish
A Liverpool Heartbeat Backed Journey Across the Atlantic
On May 19th, 2025 a very special boat arrived at Hope University — marking a huge milestone for Anna Rowan and Harry. The boat, named Gill in honour of sponsor Gillian Ashcroft, is now fully prepared for an extraordinary challenge.
In 2025, Hope University welcomed a very special arrival — the boat Gill, named in honour of sponsor Gillian Ashcroft. That moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter for Anna Rowan and Harry, who were preparing for one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges: rowing the Atlantic Ocean.
Their 3,000‑mile journey from La Gomera to Antigua began on December 10th, powered by determination, grit and a mission to raise money for a children’s cancer charity.
Liverpool Heartbeat played a proud role in the adventure, with Robin travelling to Burnham‑on‑Crouch for Gill’s official launch, representing the organisation that sponsored all of Anna, Rowen and Harry’s nutrition for the crossing. He later stood on the shores of La Gomera to wave them off — and, with perfect timing, was in Antigua to welcome them home.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Anna and Harry completed the row in record‑breaking time, turning their challenge into a moment of global celebration.
Their success became a testament to courage, teamwork and the power of community support.
And that support came directly from Liverpool.
Every pound raised for the expedition was generated through the tireless efforts of Bernie Hollywood OBE and the generosity of local people — a shining example of what the city can achieve when it rallies behind a cause.
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