A Cirencester rower is taking on the challenge of a lifetime, to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

In December this year, Chris Hodgson and four others will be rowing more than 3,000 miles as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

The challenge, will see 'The Ocean 5' race 34 other teams from the Canaries Island to Antigua, all to raise money for charity.

Chris and the rest of his team, Kevin Gaskell, Matt Gaskell, Will Hollingshead and Sam Coxen have been together for two years now and have been training ever since, and they are all aware of the challenge they are facing.

"Some of us have been to the North and South Poles, competed at Crossfit, are Ironman competitors, and we're now looking for that team challenge that brings people together and really tests your mettle," Chris explained.

"I have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean several times, so I understand the risks and the size and magnitude of the challenge.

"We think it will take between 40 and 50 days, but that is dependent on the weather, the currents of the ocean and the trade winds."

Its not just the length of the task that will test the team, but the intensity of the challenge throughout the duration.

Throughout, there must be atleast two members of the team rowing at one time.

"The boat will need to be rowed 24 hours a day," Chris continued.

"We will have a system of 2 hours on 2 hours off, in teams of two and three.

"It won't leave much time for sleep, but we will be preparing for sleep deprivation.

"Its mandatory to spend five days at once in the boat before the event to get a taster of what the event will entail."

The team are looking to raise £250,000 to cover the costs of the event and to raise money for 'The Plastic Soup Foundation'.

Chris added: "We are all seafarers, we have all worked in the maritime industry and we see the issues with plastic more than most people.

"The cost of the boat, the entry fee, moving the boat to the Canaries for the race and back to the UK after, it all comes to around £90,000.

"But we also want to raise a lot of money for charity, we want sponsors and people to know that their contribution will go to charity, and not just to cover our costs to take part in the event.

"We have chosen this charity because they're doing amazing work in raising awareness and changing perceptions to plastic in the developing world."

To donate, go to theocean5.com/