Tracy Edwards

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Tracy Edwards MBE

I have risen to many challenges in my life but none could have prepared me for what was to be the most rewarding of all - that of having a child and raising her on my own.

By chance I was introduced the world of sailing and spent many years a crew member travelling the world. In the 1980's I decided that I was going to bring together the first all female crew to compete in the 1989 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. Against the odds I pulled together a fantastic team, secured sponsorship at the last moment and completed the gruelling journey. We not only succeeded but won two of the legs and came second overall in our category. The Following year I was awarded an MBE and also Sportswoman of the Year and finally by entering a team to circumnavigate the globe in the Jules Verne Trophy.

This all seemed a drop in the ocean for what I was about to embark on when my daughter was born. This in-itself was a real challenge for me, who could I to turn to for help, where could I go to get information? I was very fortunate to have my family and friends around to give me the support and help that I needed. Years later I was speaking with a friend about the lack of information for lone parents and she gave me the details of One Parent Families website. I could not believe that there was such a charity with such a wealth of information and help available and I vowed to pledge my support.

I am delighted to have been asked to be an ambassador for One Parent Families and I really want to help to ensure that all lone parents are made aware of the support that is out there for them.

With the birth of my daughter Mackenna in 2000, I had to change my priorities and make the difficult decision that the sea could no longer take first place in my life and I retired from round-the-world sailing. All of this has stood me in good stead for the future and with enough pure determination and drive anything is possible. I share the same beliefs and aspirations in life as with many of you do, I want to do the best for my daughter, she comes first and foremost in my life.

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