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HQ is to publish the "inspirational" true story of four working mums from Yorkshire – the ‘Yorkshire Rows’ team - who rowed across the Atlantic, becoming the oldest all-female crew to do so.
World rights to the project were acquired by executive publisher of HQ, Lisa Milton, from Eugenie Furniss at Furniss Lawton. Four Mums in a Boat is a "truly uplifting story about the power of will, friendship and stamina that will inspire anyone to take up the oars of life and get rowing toward their ambitions, no matter how bold and fantastic they may be", the publisher said.
Crossing the finish line on the morning of 25th February 2016, the four women of the ‘Yorkshire Rows’ team officially became Guinness World Record holders as the oldest all-female crew to row across any ocean. The ages of the women range from 45 to 51.
Over the course of more than two months that it took to complete the race, Janette, Helen, Niki and Frances lost power, water, their steering and two stone. They went without washing or wearing clothes, and ate nothing but their dried food packs, bars of chocolate and a Peperami treat on Christmas Day.
The Yorkshire Rows team said: “Our story proves that, given the support of friends and family and some very serious organisational skills, age and responsibilities do not have to come between you and your dream. Life may not begin at forty, but an adventure of a lifetime most certainly can.”
Milton said: “From the moment I saw these four incredible women breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions and making their dreams come true, I wanted to be their publisher. We want HQ to be the go-to publisher for women, and I cannot imagine a better book to form the backbone of our exciting new list. Empowering women everywhere to reach for the stars, this book will be perfect for mums the length and breadth of the country.”
Furniss said: "Funny, heartfelt and inspiring, this story of four working mothers rising to a remarkable challenge is the perfect one for any woman out there who is thinking – ‘no I can't do that’, or ‘maybe some other time’. Four Mums in a Boat will encourage you, unequivocally, to do it, and to start now."
Four Mums in a Boat will be published on 23rd March 2017 in hardback, ebook and audio download priced at £16.99.
The film and television rights to the book have been optioned by Archery Pictures.