Leigh women to take on Atlantic row spending 50 days at sea

Setting off on December 12 from La Gomera in the Canary islands, the committed crew from Leigh dubbed "the only way is rowing" will be conquering more than 3,000 miles to arrive at English Harbour, Antigua.

The row forms part of Worlds Toughest Row Atlantic Challenge, which sees crews from around the globe get involved to take on the beastly feat.

Prepared - Jo Murray is the eldest of the crew, hoping to subvert misconceptions by beating the challenge. (Image: Jo Murray)

Jo Murray, 60, crew member, said: "Despite our shared rowing background as coastal rowers within the Essex rowing community, we've never done anything like this before.

"We wanted a challenge, and do something to prove ourselves as the best people we could be - age is no barrier, and ordinary women can do extraordinary things."

Jo's role within the crew is power management, joined by Sam Wood, 54, serving as skipper and navigation, Sheila McGhee, 52, as the chief engineer, and Lorena Nichols, 47, acting as medic.

"We're starting as friends, and hope to get across as even better friends - we've created bonds that will strengthen," said Jo.

Vessel - The 8.7 metre boat will be the home of the crew for 50 days. (Image: Jo Murray)

Spending 50 days at sea unassisted, the crew have prepared everything they need to take with them, including a water maker and dehydrated food and snacks for calories.

They've also had to complete mandatory sea survival, first aid and navigation courses, trained on a boat and in the gym together, and completed resilience training to survive in a "very small boat in a very big ocean."

They also had to fund their own boat, stretching 8.7 metres long and 1.5 metres wide - it's cosy and designed for efficient storage with no space wasted.

Crew - Sam, Lorena, Sheila and Jo have become close friends through the challenge. (Image: Jo Murray)

"It started three years ago in the Mayflower pub," Jo said, "and it's been a long road to get here - preparing for the mental and physical challenge of being taken outside of our comfort zone.

"It's a real mix of emotions, but we've been wanting to do this for a long time and it still doesn't quite feel real.

"We're all excited and looking forward to being out on the water, even if we end up sea sick and sleep deprived."

The crew will be raising money through their adventure for three charities, including Children's hearts UK, The Wilderness Foundation and Rewilding Britain.