Shropshire rowing pair make ready for £125,000 Atlantic challenge

Harry Martin-Dreyer and Alex Bland, both 27, are attempting to row the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to raise £125,000 for charity.

The pair will try to row more than 3,000 miles unsupported in a two-man boat, starting out from Gran Canaria on Sunday, weather permitting.

They will be rowing alternately on two-hour shifts, 24-hours-a-day, with the challenge expected to take up to three months as they aim to reach the west coast of Barbados.

Alex, who is originally from Cound from Shrewsbury, and Harry, from Lyneal, near Ellesmere, first met at Shrewsbury School and decided to take on the challenge while both working in London.

They initially set a target of raising £100,000 for two charities very close to their hearts, but have already beaten that and are now aiming to make £125,000.

Money will be split between Cure Leukaemia, and diabetes charity JDRF. The charities gave support to Harry's mother Alexandra, who died after complications in her leukaemia treatment and to Alex's brother Ross, who has type 1 diabetes.

The boys have been training in the English Channel and North Sea and flew out to Gran Canaria earlier this month for the final preparations for the challenge.

As well as physical preparation, the pair have also been working on the psychological aspect of the challenge and the mental difficulties involved in the marathon row.

Alex said: "Between November and March is when the trade winds are blowing across the Atlantic," he said. "It is also quite warm. You need the weather in your favour."

The pair will start their journey on Sunday provided the weather conditions are suitable.

For details or to make a donation, please visit www.rowing4research.com

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