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Boat launch and blessing with l/r,Rev Wilf Eastlake,Mark Davis, Ben Steadman and sponsor Chris King. Picture: Brian Jung/bj5607

ROWERS took the plunge in Weymouth Harbour before an Indian Ocean odyssey.

Prison officers Ben Steadman and Mark Davis launched their 24ft specialist boat at the inner harbour slipway.

They aim to compete in the Woodvale Indian Ocean Row-ing Race next April - dubbed 'the 'toughest rowing race in the world'.

Mr Steadman, is from Tophill on Portland, and used to work on the Weare Prison but is now a PE officer at the Young Offender Institution in Swinfen Hall, Staffordshire. He and Mr Davis aim to raise £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Steadman said: "Two years ago we started our quest to take part in this first ever Indian Ocean race.

"With the massive contribution made by Lovell's sponsorship and the support of our friends and families and a number of other sponsors the dream is getting closer to reality. We set out from day one not only to be the winners of this immense race, but also to raise the awareness of our chosen charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

"We still require around £20,000 to get us fully prepared to the start line, so will be actively promoting ourselves all around the country this year."

The project requires £70,000 of funding and involves spending 50 to 90 days competing in the race across the ocean.

Boat launch with l/r, Ben Steadman and Mark Davis who will be rowing 3,100 miles across the Indian Ocean. Picture: Brian Jung/bj5607

It starts from Geraldton, Australia, and tracks through 3,700 miles of one of the most challenging seas in the world.

Mr Steadman and Mr Davis will be going through considerable training schedules and preparing themselves physically and mentally for the challenge.

They have been sponsored by Birmingham-based housing developer Lovell.

The duo also have a website, www.bigboysrow.com, where people can donate money and check on their progress.

Anyone interested in sponsoring or supporting Mr Davis and Mr Steadman should call 01543 484073 or email ben@bigboysrow.com

11:08am Monday 12th May 2008

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