A woman who grew up in Gerrards Cross is planning to row across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ challenge.

Louise Cox, who has lived in Buckinghamshire for most of her life and learned to row at the Marlow Rowing Club, is part of a three-woman team who are taking on the ‘World’s Toughest Row Challenge’ this December.

The endurance race takes competitors 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, rowing from San Sebastian de La Gomera in Spain all the way to Antigua in the Caribbean.

Louise, alongside friends she met at the University of London’s Boat Club, Robyn Hart-Winks and Jordan Cole-Hossain, are planning to row for two hours, followed by a one-hour break, all round the clock for 50 days.

The group, who have dubbed themselves ‘The Tidewaves’, are embarking upon the challenge to raise money for the charities London Youth Rowing and Access Sport.

Louise said the central motivation behind the challenge is to champion the cause of equal opportunities across the sporting world for young people, with their fundraising target a whopping £100k.

She added: “We want to partner with local Buckinghamshire businesses that share our values and want to support grassroot community projects. We would also offer bespoke return of investment and exciting marketing opportunities for any corporate-based sponsorships.

“As well as raising funds, we are offering our time by supporting junior sports events and volunteering in the community because we think this is a great way for young people to hear about our mission.”

All three of the competitors are keen sportswomen and have experienced the benefits that staying active can have including seeing the relationship between training and results and enjoying the close bond of being part of a team.

Louise said: “I feel passionately about having supporters who share our vision and want to raise awareness of the life-changing impact that sports can have on both the individual and the wider community.

“Growing up in Gerrards Cross, I was lucky enough to have access to fantastic facilities like the memorial tennis courts and the Sports and Cricket Club. Not all children are so lucky, and I want to be part of a future where all young people can reap the advantages taking part in a sport can give.”