Two Berkshire daredevils are set to take on a journey of a lifetime in a 3000-mile row across the Atlantic.

On December 12, Ed Shaw, 51, and Karl Austen, 54, will be among 35 rowing teams from across the globe to take part in the ‘World’s Toughest Row’ competition.

The duo will leave from La Gomera in the Canary Islands for the eighty-day journey to the coast of Antigua.

After over two years of preparations, the adventure seekers aim to raise £50,000 for two charities that are close to their hearts – Dementia UK and Prostate Cancer UK.

“We are both so excited about setting off. The closer it gets the more exciting it becomes but my family are absolutely terrified"  said Karl.

"I decided to look into the row whenever we came back from climbing Mount Kilamingara. As soon as we returned we instantly thought ‘What’s Next’,

“I’ve always had an adventurous spirit so it’s not unusual that when I heard about it I just couldn’t get it out of my head. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“For over two years we have been training for about 15 hours a week, including a mix of gym, pilates, core and life skills while we’re on the water.”

During the 3000-mile journey, the pair will row two hours on and two hours off for the entirety of the journey in their small boat traversing 40 ft waves and stormy seas.

The route from the Canary Islands to Antigua is expected to be treacherous. Ed and Karl will have to negotiate around shipping lanes and open water traffic whilst doing their unassisted row.

Although they will be setting out as part of an event, different start times will mean that they will have no contact with anyone else other than their partner.

The World’s Toughest Row competition is streamed both online and on social media and is expected to garner millions of viewers. Olympic Gold medallist James Cracknell completed this race following his last gold medal win in Athens.

As a father of two daughters, Karl, spoke alongside Ed at Charters School in Ascot where his 16-year-old daughter attends.

He said: “We did a presentation about the trip and all the kids were really interested and engaged. We had some brilliant questions from the kids and the teachers.

“The first one everyone seems to want to know is where do we go to the toilet.’”

The journey is estimated to cost around £120,000 with a £25,000 entry fee. The hope is for them to be able to donate a large proportion of the money raised to charity.

Major corporate sponsors that are supporting them include Citizen Watch and jewellers F.Hindz.

If you wish to donate click here.