Luke Grose (Management with Chinese Studies 2007) is planning to tackle the 2009 Atlantic Rowing Race with the help of friend and old schoolmate Alex Macdonald, a current student at Lincoln University. Together, they will row the 2,500 nautical miles across the Atlantic, non-stop and unsupported in around 60-70 days.

They will also face major natural and man-made hazards such as severe weather conditions, flying fish, large freight tankers crossing their path in the middle of the night and potential shark attacks. The boat they have secured was originally damaged in the 2006/07 race when a shark gouged a hole in the hull, which has since now been repaired.

Almost two years ago University of Nottingham medics Steph Temperton and Becky Thorpe became the fastest British womens pair to row the Atlantic, smashing the previous record by more than 30 days when they hauled themselves the 2,931 miles across the water in 75 days. The two are former Commonwealth silver medalist oarswomen and British University Champions and survived the trip despite being chased by a tornado, almost capsizing and a near collision with an ocean liner.

Luke, who works for the Royal Bank of Scotland in London, said: “We do have some idea what to expect and we know the dangers but it’s not putting us off – this is a one-off opportunity.

“Although the two events are nothing like comparable we do have some idea of what endurance and mental strength is about because we took part in a double marathon when we ran from Barnard Castle in County Durham to Settle in North Yorkshire in around 13 hours.

“We know the Atlantic even is a mental test on a much bigger scale but we’re both highly motivated and we’re really up for the challenge.”

Luke and Alex will row to raise money for the We Are MacMillan cancer support charity.

The pair, who began their education together at Giggleswick School, are being mentored by former boarding house tutor at the school Mark Mortimer, who took part in the very first race across the Atlantic back in 1997.

“It’s been our plan to compete in the event since we first tracked the progress of Mark and Martin Bellamy back when we were at school. Their row only served to fuel our interest in the event and now it’s our turn,” said Alex.

Luke and Alex are currently in training and are due to take charge of their boat in the next couple of months. But they do need sponsors for the event and any help would be much appreciated.

You can contact them through their website at www.rowatlantic2009.co.uk.