A SUPPLY teacher has swapped the classroom for a rowing expedition on the other side of the world.

Linda Greig is one of six people from across Britain who travelled to Tasmania over the weekend for the annual Tawe Nunnugah Raid.

She will cover just under 200 kilometres in about two and a half weeks in a traditional Scottish boat, alongside five other crew members and a cox.

Linda, of Dunbar, became involved with coastal rowing about four years ago while helping build a rowing boat in Fife.

She then moved to East Lothian three years ago and said: “I was asked to come for a taster session in Dunbar and the club here is really welcoming.

“I went for a taster and had a few shots in the harbour.

“On my first row, there was a pod of dolphins and I was addicted.

“I have been an avid rower ever since then.”

Linda, who works as a supply teacher with children with complex needs and as a care worker at Florabank Home, in Haddington, is aiming to raise at least £2,000 for Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre.

Already, she has collected almost £1,500, with money still coming in ahead of the event officially getting under way.

She said: “I know so many who have used the service and experienced the effects of rape and sexual violence alone and at those times we need a life line thrown to support us. “Rape Crisis has been a lifeline when there is nowhere else to turn, a safe space and haven to many when relationships and support break down due to the sexual violence, it has saved many lives from the deep scars of trauma every day.

“The service is vital and waiting lists for support are increasing; the support line is run completely voluntarily and costs money.”

The event will be the longest ever row Linda has completed.

She was set to meet the crew for the first time when she travelled to Tasmania.

Rowers, including 36-year-old Linda, will set off from Recherche Bay on the island, to the south of Australia, before heading up the east coast over the course of 10 days towards the island’s capital city, Hobart.

Then, following the annual Australian Wooden Boat Festival, the crews will head south once again and head for Franklin.

To make a donation or to find out more, go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/rowraidforrapecrisis