House builder steps in to sponsor oar-some Atlantic challenge

A local house builder is helping four intrepid fundraisers make a splash by supporting a quartet of Devon hockey players who will be swapping their sticks for oars this December to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Bovis Homes is sponsoring ‘Astro to Atlantic’, a team of four girls - Louise Read, Helen Symons, Chloe Harvey and Emily Read – who are taking part in one of the world’s toughest races, The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

The team, who have been playing hockey together for the past eleven years, will be rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean on a 23-foot boat for up to 90 days unsupported and unaided.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the team,” says regional marketing manager, Stacey Banfield. “This is a huge challenge and we are proud to play a part in it and provide support where we can.

“The girls have put in so much effort, from finding sponsors and purchasing equipment, to all the training and preparations they are doing in their bid to cross the Atlantic. They are a great inspiration and we wish them the best of luck on their voyage!”

Bovis Homes’ donation has gone towards helping to fund the purchase of the extensive kit the team require to take part in the challenge.

All born and bred in Devon, the four girls are hoping to win the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic challenge and break the world record in the process to become the fastest all-women crew to cross the Atlantic.

In addition to collecting funds for the challenge, throughout their journey, the Astro to Atlantic team will be raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, helping to support this vital local service.

For further information about the challenge, go to www.astro-to-atlantic.co.uk