A WOMAN from Haverfordwest has become the first person with cystic fibrosis to row an ocean after completing a 3,200-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic.

Team Cruising Free from Pembrokeshire finished the Atlantic Dash 2025, one of the toughest endurance events in the world arriving in Antigua last week.

Starting in Lanzarote, the challenge took them 53 days, 12 hours, and one minute.

Sophie Pierce, 32, grew up believing her life expectancy would be no longer than 30 years, however, with new medication her life has been revolutionised.

Though these medications have helped improve the lives of many, they do not work for everyone, and they are not a cure.

Team Cruising Free – Sophie, Janine Williams, Polly Zipperlen and Miyah Periam - are raising money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust, who through research and support, are working towards a future where everyone with CF can lead a long and full life, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Sophie said: “Three years ago I was incredibly lucky to gain access to a drug trial for a modulator drug, and to put it simply, it has changed my life.

“With a new level of health that I never ever thought I'd have, it was time to think about new possibilities, which led me to think about rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

“Living with cystic fibrosis has given me times when I've not been well enough to live the life I've wanted to, and so I absolutely want to make the most of my newfound health.

"For me, this row isn't just a crazy personal adventure, it's also a chance to reimagine the future of cystic fibrosis and bring hope that one day, everyone with CF will be able to cruise free through life.”

Rowing in The Spirit of Bluestone, team member 70-year-old Janine become the oldest woman to row an ocean.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it hard to breathe and digest food.

There are over 11,300 people with CF living in the UK. Of those who died from cystic fibrosis in 2023, the median age of death was just 46 years of age.

Sophie documented her journey online, making videos showing the realities of cystic fibrosis treatments while at sea: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGoU_kYOA28/

To find out more, and support Cruising Free, go to linktr.ee/cruisingfree