Hodge sponsors retired solicitor living a ‘later life less ordinary’ to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific
A retired solicitor from Wales has got the wind in her sails thanks to support from one of her home nation’s leading specialist lenders, Hodge.
Elaine Theaker is taking on the ‘world’s toughest row’ as part of a five-strong crew and is set to cross 2,800 miles of ocean from California to the ‘Garden Island’ of Kauai in Hawaii. The team set sail on June 12th.
The Abergavenny resident is taking part in the challenge to raise money for four national air ambulance crews, including Air Ambulance Wales, and SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity, with sponsorship from Hodge.
As a specialist in later life finance, and retired herself from a legal career specialising in pensions and wills, Elaine reached out to Hodge to support the venture and was delighted when the Cardiff-based lender agreed.
Elaine said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have the support of Hodge in attempting this challenge and so grateful to them for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to take part in a challenge like this.
“I’m not the only one who will benefit either, in that the money we raise will help air ambulance crews nationwide ensure they continue to save lives, and thousands of current and former serving members of Britain’s armed forces continue to get vital support in all areas of their lives too.”
The founder of her own firm, Advantage Legal, for 16 years before her retirement, Elaine is also an accomplished fine boat river rower who rowed the Atlantic in 2017 with a female trio in 60 days and 18 hours, achieving two Guinness World Records in the process.
As a specialist in later life lending products, including Retirement Interest Only and 50+ mortgages, Hodge is supporting Elaine and her Flyin’ Fish crew members in completing the first ever Pacific Challenge, alongside 14 other teams, as an example of someone living their retirement very much to the full.
The voyage is expected to take more than 60 days, with only 82 people in 33 boats having ever successfully rowed to one of the Hawaiian islands from mainland USA.
Dave Landen, CEO of Hodge, said: “Elaine is such a great representation of someone living their later life in a much less ordinary way. Her passion and drive is a very inspirational story, so we were really keen to sponsor her.
“I can’t imagine what it takes physically or mentally to complete the kind of challenges Elaine has the courage to set herself in life, and the team here at Hodge are all in complete awe of the Flyin’ Fish team generally.”
“So, we were more than happy to be associated with their efforts in completing the first ever Pacific Challenge for such good causes in the process,” he added.
For more information on Elaine and her Flyin’ Fish crew’s challenge and to donate towards their efforts visit www.rowflyinfish.co.uk.
