Three British soldiers are preparing to row from La Gomera to Antigua to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and three regimental charities.

Lieutenant Robert Cross, a member of the Welsh Guards and born in Wimbledon, will be joined by his army colleagues Lieutenant Charles Newman and Lieutenant Robert Treasure in rowing across the Atlantic unsupported as part of the 2024 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The trio will row under the team name TEAM V3NTURE and it will be the first time a trio from the military has undertaken the challenge which takes around 35 days and involves rowing 3000 miles in only an eight metre boat.

The team hopes to raise £200,000 for charity and 70 percent (£140,000) of the funds will be donated to Macmillan.

The charity is one which is close to Robert Treasure’s heart after he lost his father, Stephen Treasure, to cancer in June 2021.

Robert Cross said: “After the challenge, all funds raised from the sale of the boat will be donated to our chosen charities at a 70/30 split, with Macmillan receiving 70 per cent of everything raised.

“We have partnered with some brilliant businesses so far but would love to hear from anyone interested who would like to support the team with our boat costs.

“We have already been taking on fundraising challenges, including a 24hr static row in Waterloo station recently, with all the money going to Macmillan.”

The remaining 30 per cent of the funds raised will be donated to the Rifles Regimental Trust, the Royal Artillery Association and the Welsh Guards Charity.

The team is seeking sponsorship to pay for the boat and any expenses the challenge incurs.

Robert Treasure said: “We have three goals, to be the fastest trio to row the Atlantic, to be the first military trio to row any ocean, and to raise as much money for charity as possible.

“I lost my Dad to cancer last year, and so we want to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan, as they provide such a huge amount of help and comfort to people living with cancer.”

Macmillan Senior Relationship Fundraising Manager, Pauline Lewis said: “This is a monumental challenge and we are behind Rob, Charles and Rob all the way.

“We are so grateful that they have decided to donate the money raised to Macmillan, as whatever they raise will go a long way in providing vital support for people living with cancer.

“They are so dedicated to this challenge, and we are looking forward to keeping up with their progress and training and wish them all the very best of luck.”

More comprehensive cancer information and support can be found at www.macmillan.org.uk and the Macmillan support line is open between 8am to 8pm seven days a week on 0808 808 0000.