THE Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a 3,000 mile ocean race and endurance test and Devon’s Astro to Atlantic team is to take on that challenge for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Four Devon women are battling the elements to row, unaided and unsupported, over rough seas, on board a 28-foot rowing boat for up to 60 days across the Atlantic.

Before the team can reap the rewards of this incredible charitable effort, they must first endure sleep deprivation, dehydration, huge calorie deficits, hallucinations, salt sores, 60ft waves and almost total physical and mental exhaustion as they navigate their way across the vast stretch of inhospitable water.

Helen Symons, who will turn 33 while at sea, and her hockey team buddy, Louise Read who will celebrate her 50th mid-row, were undertaking a gruelling cycling challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2015 when they joked that it would probably be easier to row the Atlantic because at least it was flat.

That idea gently took hold, and soon the two were joined by fellow Kingsbridge and Salcombe Hockey Team members, Chloe Harvey (27), and Lou’s daughter, Emily Read, who will celebrate her 21st during the race.

Together the four have been training for what could be a 60-day test, during which they will face significant mental and physical challenges.

The team departs on December 12 from San Sebastian in the Canary Islands and the challenge concludes at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua. Once they leave the harbour they are on their own.

The team has been fundraising and gathering support steadily since 2016 with the aim of reaching the £100,000 needed to make the feat possible, which includes the cost of the boat, their equipment, and the training they need to successfully navigate the ocean.

“To date we’ve run fundraisers from gin parties to bingo nights,” said Chloe. “It’s been great fun and we have more planned too. We’ve invited our supporters to take on our 500m and 200m sprints for just £2 per entry, which is a really fun way for individuals to get involved.”

Once the team has met its ambition to hit the water, the members will switch their focus to fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance. The charity is very close to the women’s hearts as a sporting club and as people involved in dynamic physical activities.

Following the race, the team also plans to donate money raised from the sale of the boat and the equipment to Devon Air Ambulance.

“We’re bowled over by the incredible feat the Astro to Atlantic team is undertaking,” says Caroline Creer, Fundraising and Communications Director for the charity.

“They are four very courageous people who have committed to a real test of their strength, endurance and themselves and we feel very honoured to have been selected as their charity to support.”

If you would like to support the Astro to Atlantic team then visit their website: www.astro-to-atlantic.co.uk .