First-time rower's 3,200-mile charity challenge

A woman who had never rowed before is embarking on a 3,200‑mile (5,150-km) rowing challenge across the Atlantic for charity.

Nicky Allen, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, is part of a crew of four aiming to row from Lanzarote to Antigua, raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

The 44 year-old flies to Lanzarote on Tuesday ahead of the official start on 24 January.

"I'm feeling quite strong. I have put the effort in, as has the rest of the team, and we've been training five or six times a week to build up our strength so we're ready for what the ocean has to throw at us," she said.

The crossing is expected to take up to 55 days in a purpose-built ocean rowing boat about 8m (26ft) long and 2m (6.5ft) wide, with no shade.

The crew will follow a two-hours rowing, two-hours resting routine, continuing day and night.

After getting to Lanzarote, they will spend around two weeks carrying out safety inspections and equipment checks, as well as reacquainting themselves with life on board.

Allen said the shift pattern is "relentless".

Each rower will consume between 4,500 and 6,000 calories a day using army rations and snack packs, while a solar-powered desalination system will convert seawater into drinking water.

Even though the team has not trained at sea since October, Allen has already raised more than £19,000.

"We're nearly at £20,000. If we can hit that, that would be unbelievable.

"Our aim is to raise £200,000 for Make-a-Wish which would grant 100 wishes for critically ill children and their families," she added.

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