A TEAM of working mothers including an alumna of Kingston Grammar School have rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in a bid to show that gender is no barrier to success.

The quartet have eleven children between them and decided to undertake the gruelling row as a way of inspiring their offspring to "dream big" and "challenge themselves to pursue their goals."

They competed as 'The Mothership' in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, an endurance race from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, and finished with a time of 40 days and 13 hours - 13th overall and 2nd in the female class.

Among the inspiring ladies was Kingston Grammar School (KGS) alumna Jo Blackshaw, née Leach, who graduated in 1991 and rowed competitively for the school.

Jo competed for Team GB as a pair in the Junior World Championships of 1991, coming fifth with her partner, and later for Oxford (Blue Boat) in the 1992 Boat Race.

In a profile on 'The Mothership' website written ahead of the race, Jo said: "I have always wanted to test my own mental and physical resilience by taking part in an Atlantic row.

"Being a mother is the most rewarding and humbling experience.

"When Pippa suggested it, I jumped at the opportunity to be further humbled by the ocean and to be part of a team of inspiring and gutsy women.

"Together we can show children and women of any age that they can do anything they put their minds to."

Following news of Jo's success, Kingston Grammar School said: "We are extremely proud of Jo Blackshaw, née Leach,(OK 1991) for completing this year's annual Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in 40 days, 13 hours and 5 minutes with the all-women crew The Mothership.

"You are an inspiration to us all!"

Fewer than 100 women have rowed an ocean as part of an all-female crew and more people have been to space than completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, described as the 'World's Toughest Row.'

Jo and her teammates Felicity Ashley, Pippa Edwards and Lebby Eyres set off from San Sebastian, La Gomera, last December and spent spent 40 days on their 28-foot boat the Mrs Nelson.

The ladies rowed for 2 hours on, 2 hours off, and consumed on average 6,000 calories per day per person to fuel their voyage.

The all-mother team were also fundraising for three charities: Women In Sport, The Felix Fund and Noah's Ark Children's Hospice.

So far they have raised £56,761 - almost double their original target of £30,000.

The fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/team/themothership

Find out more about The Mothership HERE or follow their Instagram @mothership_twac.