Atlantic Challenge for Chestnut Tree House

Chris and Joe at The Arundel Bath Tub Race in August

Chris Brooks and Joe Thompson (both 22 years old), are taking on the challenge of a lifetime and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for Chestnut Tree House and Graham Grange Special Educational Trust near Guildford.

The two men met at the University of Exeter in 2004 and have recently graduated. Both decided that they have the opportunity now to do something life changing; life-changing for the children who are supported by the two charities; and life-changing for themselves and so decided to participate in the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race. As well as the huge challenge of rowing the Atlantic, they have set themselves the objective of achieving a total of £150,000 through sponsorship and charitable donations to cover the £70,000 cost of the event and raising £80,000 to be split between the two charities.

This adventure will take a year to plan and their journey will begin in December 2009. Starting from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Bahamas, this incredible voyage should last approximately 60 days. The next year will be spent undergoing intensive training and gaining all the necessary qualifications to allow them to undertake such a gruelling voyage.

'We are too busy to think about the race itself at the moment,' said Joe. 'The training has been good so far and the fundraising is driving us - we are still very determined.'

Added Chris, 'We won't quite believe it ourselves until we have our boat.'

The intrepid duo are seeking sponsorship from local businesses to help them achieve their goal and are planning a number of fundraising events and activities to raise the money to build and equip their boat. If you would like to help Chris and Joe with their challenge of a lifetime, please visit their website www.rowingadventure.co.uk