A GRUELLING world record attempt will by undertaken by five people hoping to row for more than 30 hours.  

The team will be aiming to beat the current 30-hour world record for the longest continual row by a mixed sex group.

The world record attempt forms part of the preparation for the world's toughest rowing race, that three of the rowers will be competing in at the end of the year. 

One of the rowers Benjamin Ajayi-Obe, from Warfield in Bracknell has spoken to The News about the world record attempt and the inspiration behind it.

The 24-year-old said: "As part of our campaign to compete in the Talisker Atlantic Challenge, we wanted to do something that made us stand out from all the other competitors. 

"It is also a great way to train for the race because we believe that by experiencing as much discomfort, it will only help our body cope with the challenge in the long run."

"We are all excited to take on this world record feel confident that we will break it."

The group are currently running an online raffle, to be drawn after the world record attempt with a range of prizes including four tickets to the Henley Enclosure at Henley Royal Regatta 2018 among others. 

The money raised for the entirety of the campaign will go to Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (BMSTC), based in Reading and the MS Society.

The inspiration behind raising money for MS is because Mr Ajayi-Obe's mother, Rose, suffers from the disease and the group want to play their part in helping the community. 

Mr Ajayi-Obe added: "I am very passionate about supporting the community that cares for those who live with multiple sclirosis. My mum, Rose, has been living with MS for over a decade. 

"The symptoms are often stressful to manage and frustrating as they do not always manifest themselves in a visible way.

"Rose has been an inspiration to me and our team and an example of how seemingly impossible circumstances can be overcome by sheer determination."

The world record attempt will begin on January 12 at the Royal Holloway University and will aim to carry on until January 14. 

To enter the raffle or to contribute in any way, visit http://atlanticdiscovery.co.uk/