Bereaved car crash survivor to row canal marathon

Kerry Sargent (L) died in a car crash in New Zealand in 2018 in which her wife, Julie (Second R) was seriously injured

A woman who was seriously injured in a car crash which also killed her wife is to take on a rowing marathon.

Julie Sargent's wife Kerry died, aged 42, in a head-on collision in New Zealand in 2018.

Their two children were also injured and Ms Sargent, 55, broke 13 bones and still suffers pain from nerve damage and a hand injury.

After taking up rowing in May, Ms Sargent plans to row 26.2 miles (42.1km) along the Gloucester Sharpness Canal on Sunday in a single scull to raise £3,000 for the charity Sandford Parks Lido.

Speaking to BBC Gloucestershire, she said: "It's going to be really emotional because the day I'm rowing is on the sixth anniversary of the accident, so I'm sure I'll be hit with lots of memories of that, but also physically it's been a huge journey and I need to prove to myself that I've come through that."

Julie Sargent was socially prescribed rowing with the charity Just Row Gloucestershire

Ms Sargent was recommended rowing with the charity Just Row Gloucestershire (JRG), which helps people who are disadvantaged either physically or mentally take up the sport.

"Rowing has made a huge difference to my life in just five months. It's given me the opportunity to exercise without direct impact on my body and it's enhanced my mental wellbeing," she said.

JRG trustee Lee Morris said: "This weekend is going to be tough for someone who has not rowed for long, but it’s going to be amazing to watch her achieve this goal and see how far she has come.

"I feel privileged to be part of it. She [Ms Sargent] is a perfect example of what sport and exercise can do for your physical and mental health."

Ms Sargent is CEO of Sandford Parks Lido

"The lido community has supported me and my family during our recovery and now I'd like to raise some money towards their latest sustainability project," said Ms Sargent, who is also CEO of the charity.

Sandford Parks Lido, in Cheltenham, has launched a fundraising campaign to install solar panels to generate 93 per cent of its electricity usage, and Ms Sargent aims to raise £3,000 towards the £400,000 target.