Expert advice sought by row challenge team

CORNISHMAN Billy Gammon has been seeking advice from Olympic champion James Cracknell as he prepares to take on the Indian Ocean in a rowing boat.

Born in Truro, the 34-year-old is one of a crew of four who will be setting off on their 3,500m voyage from Western Australia next April. They will be one of 25 crews competing in an inaugural race.

Speaking from New Zealand, where he has been working for the past four years, Billy said: "In order to build up my physical reserves I've been told to put on 15 to 20kg."

"I'm unbelievably excited about it. It's one of those life-changing experiences."

Billy, Tom Wigram, from Newton Abbot and Matt Hampel from Norwich are still looking for a fourth member as they train hard on the water and in the gym. The men have bought a 29' ex-army boat currently named Yorkshire Warrior which crossed the Atlantic Ocean two years ago but they plan to rename and repaint it.

Tom's wife Bex will be their communications director and friend Emma Smethwick, has been organising fundraising in the UK.

Race costs are estimated to be £80,000 and it is hoped to raise money for The Prostrate Cancer Charity, which has affected two of the crew's family members. "One in 11 men in the UK will contract the disease and we need to raise the profile of the illness."

Trevose Golf and Country Club, whose managing director Nick Gammon is Billy's brother, is holding a special fundraising day on Saturday, November 22. Teams of four and sponsorship of holes are invited. For details e-mail info@trevose-gc.co.uk or call Nick Gammon on 01841 520208.