Sepsis survivor rows the 6.8km Oxford Cambridge Boat Race course in just 33 minutes

Becky Coleman rowed the inaugural Adaptive Boat Race Challenge between Putney and Mortlake, raising money for Fulham Reach Boat Club and the UK Sepsis Trust

“Today has been a huge milestone for accessible sport,” said Adam Freeman-Pask, CEO of Fulham Reach Boat Club.

Becky Coleman is a sepsis survivor, and it was her vision to become the first wheelchair user to row the full Boat Race course, using arms-only rowing. She completed that vision on Thursday, 2 April, when she rowed almost 7km almost half her target time.

“I’ve watched the Boat Race many times but never imagined rowing would be something accessible to me.”

Two years ago, Becky developed life-threatening sepsis, resulting in a long and complex recovery. The illness affected her brain and multiple bodily systems, requiring her to relearn fundamental skills including speaking, reading and typing. For months, everyday environments were overwhelming, and routine activities such as crossing the road or navigating public transport became significant challenges.

A keen sportsperson before her illness, Becky discovered Fulham Reach BC in April 2025. The Hammersmith-based Sport for Good charity offers inclusive and accessible rowing opportunities.

“Fulham Reach BC provided a wonderful and inclusive environment which enabled me to thrive,” Becky said. “Rowing has supported my recovery by helping my brain re-coordinate post-sepsis while giving me a sport for life. It’s allowed me to get outside, enjoy nature and experience all the benefits of physical activity.”

Now a regular on the Thames in London, Becky has become a pioneer of accessible fixed-seat rowing on the Championship Course – one she has long admired, having lived at both its start and finish.

“I am super excited to row the Championship Course as the first arms-only rower to take it on,” she said before her race. “I’ve watched the Boat Race many times but never imagined rowing would be something accessible to me.”

Becky raced in a double scull alongside Denise Martin Van Meurs, the club’s Accessibility Lead Coach, with Tracy Corbett as cox. Four other crews featuring adaptive rowers also took part in the event, which was designed to open the iconic 6.8km Thames course to adaptive athletes for the very first time.

Reflecting on the conditions, Becky said: “The start was choppy and challenging, but it eased as we approached Hammersmith Bridge. The crowds and support really lifted our spirits.” Crowds on the bridge included Fulham Reach BC supporters, joined by participants from the club’s Free Watersport Week.

Cox Tracy Corbett steered the fastest line around the Chiswick bend towards the bandstand, as Becky found her rhythm and summoned a final burst of energy through the Barnes stretch. The crew maintained strong pace all the way to the finish line at Chiswick Bridge. Having trained for an effort of around an hour and set a target time of under 60 minutes, the crew crossed the finish line in just 33 minutes, nearly half their projected time. It is believed to be the fastest adaptive completion of the course on record.

The broader ambition is for this challenge to establish a new tradition: an Adaptive Boat Race on the Championship Course. Adam Freeman-Pask, said  “We are excited to be leading the way with this sporting milestone and increasing the accessibility of the sport of rowing. Becky has been instrumental in helping our charity grow in this area”.

Through the challenge, Becky raised over £2,500, a remarkable result that will help both the UK Sepsis Trust and Fulham Reach BC continue vital work. Proceeds will support Fulham Reach BC’s charitable programmes, including Accessible Rowing, Boats Not Bars (reducing reoffending), and Youth Development, while also raising awareness of the long-term impact of sepsis.

Adam is hopeful that Becky’s actions will inspire others to  “We are so proud of Becky’s achievement today and I’m sure it will inspire more people with disabilities to feel like rowing is something they can give a go!”

Adaptive rowing is growing from strength to strength in the UK. Find out more about getting involved in adaptive rowing here, and if you think you might have what it takes to make it to the Paralympic podium, find out more about joining our Para Squad now!