A FORMER Ivybridge student is planning an 'oarsome' challenge – a charity row across the Mid-Atlantic ocean.

Neil Gyllenship, who is now a firefighter based at Manchester Airport, is already in training ahead of the December 2009 start of epic Atlantic Rowing Race 2009 dubbed as The World's Toughest Rowing Race. The 33-year-old is taking part in the pairs class alongside fellow fireman, Ben Kirkpatrick, to help raise £100,000 for children's charity Child Flight.

While some participants in the event have passionate reasons for taking part, Neil's is simply that he "thought it would be a laugh".

"We watched two Devon Royal Marines attempt it last year and they inspired us," said Neil.

Organised by Saltash-based Woodvale Challenge, The World's Toughest Rowing Race is extreme to say the least.

Unaided, participants take part in one of three categories and must be completely self sufficient.

The average finish time for crossing the Atlantic is between 55 and 80 days. The current record is 39 days.

To promote their participation in the event the lads are currently touring the country talking to people about the challenge.

They visited Plymouth last week and gained a great deal of support and interest from shoppers and passers-by.

They will take in Liverpool, Leeds, Exeter, Manchester and numerous other cities in the coming weeks and months.

They are also planning another visit to Plymouth, this time on the Barbican, at some point in the near future.

The pair is hoping to raise "tens of thousands of pounds" for the Child Flight charity which provides terminally ill children and their families with a dream holiday.

To enable them to complete the challenge and raise the funds, the pair are appealing for team sponsors.

Anyone who wants to support them can call Neil on 07974242816.

Also visit www.woodvale-challenge.com.