Prison duo's ocean challenge

Senior Prison PE officers Ben Steadman, from HMYOI Swinfen Hall near Lichfield, and Mark Davis who works at HMP Hewell near Redditch, will compete in the Woodvale Indian Ocean Race, with competitors rowing from western Australia to Mauritius starting on April 19.

They hope to raise £200,000, to be split between two charities.

MacMillan Cancer and Caudwell Children – a charity set up by Eccleshall mobile phones tycoon John Caudwell that supports sick and disabled children across the UK – will get the money.

Ben, aged 32, who is originally from Weymouth in Dorset, said: "We are both very excited now, the big day is fast approaching and the boat has already gone over to Australia.

"There is no hiding from the fact this is going to be a huge physical and psychological test for us, we will be together in a small boat for up to two months surrounded by the vast open ocean.

"We have ways of motivating each other but knowing that we will hopefully raise thousands for two worthy causes is what makes us both so determined."

The two men will take it in turns to row the small boat, both of them rowing for two hours at a time while the other sleeps or eats. While rowing, the friends will be exposed to the elements in the open top wooden vessel, and they will sleep in a small covered cabin at the rear of the ship.

Mark, 33, originally from Southampton, said: "We have been training for nearly two years for this.

"Ben and I have a friendly rivalry so I'm sure we will push each other on but when it comes down to it we make a great team and can work together to overcome any problems, which may prove useful in the middle of an ocean as there is no-one else to turn to!"

Trudi Beswick, chief executive officer at Caudwell Children, said: "We are overwhelmed that Ben and Mark have chosen our charity."

For more information or to make a donation visit www.bigboysrow.com