Richard Mayon-White and Liz O'Keefe are to sail from the Canary Islands to Antigua in a bid to complete this year's Atlantic Rowing Race to raise funds for the Sail 4 Cancer charity. Funds raised will be divided between projects in Antigua and the UK.

The 2,900 nautical mile race, which takes place in November, is expected to last from 40 to 110 days. Each two-person team competes against others in a 24ft ocean rowing boat designed specifically for the event.

Mayon-White and O'Keefe say they are expecting the traverse to be challenging, but that they are looking forward to the crossing. According to the Sail 4 Cancer website, less than 200 people, including 12 women, have rowed across the Atlantic.

For more information about the route and ways to sponsor the team see www.row4cancer.com.