Knitting Entrepreneur Completes Epic Solo Atlantic Row for Charitable Causes
In an extraordinary display of endurance and determination, a Fife-based knitting and yarn business owner has successfully completed a solo, unsupported row across the vast Atlantic Ocean. Milli Abrams, the founder of Tribe Yarns, undertook this monumental 3,000-mile journey as part of the renowned World's Toughest Row competition, which challenges participants to row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to English Harbour in Antigua.
A Personal Challenge with Charitable Purpose
Ms Abrams embarked on this gruelling adventure not only to test her own limits but to raise vital funds for two charities close to her heart. Throughout her remarkable journey, she championed The 2 Minute Foundation, an environmental action charity promoting community litter-picking initiatives, and Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which provides essential care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
The race commenced on Sunday 14th December 2025, following extensive months of rigorous training and dedicated fundraising efforts. Ms Abrams named her ocean rowing vessel Knitannia, a touching tribute to her thriving knitting and yarn enterprise. Notably, she stood as the sole female participant from the United Kingdom to undertake this year's race completely solo.
From London to Fife: A Business and Personal Journey
Ms Abrams originally established Tribe Yarns in 2018 within Richmond, London. Following the pandemic and during her recovery from long Covid, she made the significant decision to relocate her business to the picturesque Balcaskie Estate in the East Neuk of Fife. Her yarn empire now operates from a charmingly renovated cowshed on this beautiful estate, where she feels profoundly connected to the surrounding sea.
Reflecting on her motivations for undertaking such a formidable challenge, Ms Abrams shared: "I decided to row the Atlantic because I wanted to do something hard. Just me and the sea. I wanted to know what I'm capable of. This row celebrates my recovery from long Covid. I felt ready to shatter my mental and physical limits and take on this wild challenge head-on. A time to break the rules and defy expectations!"
Charitable Impact and Community Mobilisation
The two charities selected for fundraising held deep personal significance for Ms Abrams, and she emphasised that the knowledge her efforts would support them provided crucial motivation during difficult moments at sea. She explained: "I rowed for two charities close to my heart. The 2 Minute Foundation is dedicated to environmental action, encouraging people to take two minutes out of their day to make a positive impact. CHAS provides unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, supporting them at every step of the hardest journey imaginable."
Claire Giner, charity manager for The 2 Minute Foundation, expressed immense pride in Ms Abrams' achievement: "Milli's row perfectly captures what we stand for – proving that individual action, no matter how small or how ambitious, can inspire communities to come together and protect the planet. We are incredibly grateful to Milli and just incredibly proud of what she has achieved."
Tangible Environmental Results
To commemorate each of the 3,000 miles rowed across the Atlantic, The 2 Minute Foundation mobilised its national community to collect one piece of litter per mile. Since Ms Abrams set off on December 14th, supporters have spectacularly exceeded the original goal, gathering an impressive 3,564 pieces of litter from beaches, parks, streets and woodlands across the country.
This remarkable story intertwines personal triumph, business resilience, and charitable dedication, demonstrating how individual determination can inspire widespread community action and support for vital causes.
