MEMBERS of the fundraising team from Children’s Hospice South West are wishing the Atlantic Buoys — Hamish Stewart and Neil Blackeby — good luck on their upcoming Atlantic Row.

Port Isaac-based Hamish and Neil are taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, an extremely tough row, 3,000 miles across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua.

They are hoping their row will raise a considerable amount of money for Children’s Hospice South West as well as be an experience of a lifetime.

Starting on December 15 the two will be rowing day and night across the Atlantic along with other teams from around the world, all hoping to make it to Antigua.

Hamish and Neil have been preparing for the row for more than a year, with intense training and getting their boat kitted out with technology, which will be used to track their journey and equipment to ensure their safety.

Depending on weather and sea conditions en route it could take months for the rowers to reach Antigua, meaning they will miss their usual Christmas and New Year celebrations as they row through potentially dangerous conditions with sleep deprivation and limited food intake.

Mary Murfin, community fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, said “I have a huge amount of respect for Neil and Hamish for even signing up to take on this challenge.

“I wish the Atlantic Buoys best wishes and good luck from all of the children and families that CHSW supports and we will be following that tracker closely to see their progress across the seas. We are so grateful that they have chosen to support us with their challenge.

“When the rowing gets tough I hope the thoughts of the children and families that their fundraising will help will keep them motivated.”

If you would like to make a donation to the Atlantic Buoys Atlantic Challenge visit www.justgiving.com/atlanticbuoys