We were delighted to welcome Julia Immonen to Francis Holland School on Monday for a lecture to our alumni and sixth form pupils, some of whom were returning to the school for the first time in many years, which was particularly exciting. This was the first time ever that we had extended the invitation beyond alumni and staff to our sixth form.

Julia’s lecture gave fascinating insight into how she became involved as campaigner for the charity Justice and Care, who work tirelessly to highlight the plight of enslaved women, men and children, seeking to dismantle the criminal networks responsible. Julia spoke impressively of her gamely endeavours whilst rowing across the Atlantic, speaking of the ‘fortitude and resilience’ and strong Christian faith that kept her mind and body focused on rowing the 3,000 miles unaided, earning Julia and her crew a world-record for the fastest women’s crossing and the first female crew of 5 ever to row the Atlantic.

Julia’s audience of alumni, staff and sixth-form pupils listened in awe as she spoke of the challenges faced in crossing the Atlantic and now as ambassador and spokesperson for Justice and Care. At the end of the lecture the audience had the opportunity to ask Julia questions, several of whom seized the opportunity, as Julia emotively addressed each individual, answering with candour and inspiration and leaving guests with the desire to learn more about https://www.justiceandcare.org/ and what steps they can make to become involved. She was also available to sign copies of her book Row for Freedom https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=julia+immonen&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
 
Our thanks go to Julia for speaking at this year’s lecture. To view photos of the event, please click here:

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