Will world's first frozen baby be first in Oz-to-Africa rowing race?
UK's young ocean rowers take on the world's great challenge
In 1987 Jamie Facer-Childs made medical history – he and his twin Ben were the first twins born as a result of IVF treatment with frozen embryos at Bourn Hall Clinic, which was the first IVF clinic in the world. Now Jamie is set to enter the history books again as he attempts to win the first ever Indian Ocean Rowing race. Jamie and his race partner will be the youngest competitors in the race.
The 21 year-old Psychology graduate aims to row from Australia to Mauritius across the Indian Ocean with his school friend James Thysse in a 7 x 2m boat with just a small shelter to keep off the blistering heat and salt spray. The 3,600 nautical mile 'unsupported voyage' is set to take up to 90 days. The Indian Ocean is calmer than the Atlantic but more unpredictable, with the additional hazard of sharks.
Jamie is one of the first 1000 babies born as a result of treatment at Bourn Hall Clinic and is proud to be the result of a scientific breakthrough. He is using the race to raise funds for Sparks, a children's medical research charity with the aim of helping all babies to be born healthy and to stay healthy.
"Our goal is to raise awareness of the positive benefits that science can offer our future and to inspire others to realise the sheer extent to which we all can overcome great odds if we put our minds to it", he says.
The two friends are being helped by a sports psychologist and have identified clear objectives to keep them going, including a shared desire to remain friends!
James Thysse, a medical science graduate, wants to become a doctor. His chosen charity is Headway, the brain injury association, after he saw the enormous support it gave to a close friend following a horrific car accident.
"We are setting out to win this race. Ocean rowing is still relatively new, and fewer than 200 people have rowed the Atlantic compared to 500 who have been up in space. The Australia to Mauritius crossing is one of the last great challenges. Only two people have ever rowed it and they were solo.
"We are training hard and taking advice on nutrition as we will be rowing on our body fat. A big test will be the psychological pressure, and a positive attitude will be essential to our survival."
Jamie's mother Rosemary Facer made medical history when she was treated by IVF pioneer Patrick Steptoe at the clinic he had co-founded with Robert Edwards in Cambridgeshire in 1980. Her twins were the first to be born as a result of frozen embryo transfer, a technique that was developed at Bourn Hall Clinic.
"It was 'frontier work' and I was excited to be part of it. It was all amazing. Mr Steptoe was a very distinguished and formidable character, but I felt totally safe in his hands. He was clear, not at all haughty and made me feel at home."
Rosemary is extremely proud of her sons and daughter Elise, who was also born as a result of IVF three years later.
"By taking on this challenge, Jamie is demonstrating to all the many critics that IVF babies are just as healthy as other children and he is living life to the full. As a mother it is always a concern when your children do something as challenging as this but he has the qualities needed to succeed."
The two friends are fundraising hard to support their endeavour and their chosen charities. Further details are available on http://www.oztoafrica.com.
"We are delighted to be sponsoring Jamie and James in their epic adventure, rowing across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Africa.
"We know Jamie is very proud to be Bourn Hall IVF 'baby' and was one of the first to be born as a result of pioneering treatment using frozen embryos. We feel that he provides inspiration to all born as a result of fertility treatment and a beacon of hope for those considering fertility treatment.
"The gift of life is certainly being lived to the full by Jamie and it is so gratifying to see someone grasp opportunities with both hands and fulfil their potential. All at Bourn Hall will be following the boys' progress with great interest and wish them the very best of luck."
Nicola Graver, Director
Bourn Hall
