A couple from Pembrokeshire will take on a voyage of a lifetime when they’ll row 3,200 miles across the Atlantic.

Emma Gent, 53, and her partner Andrew Ravenscroft, are currently in the Canary Islands as they prepare to set off - and are aiming for Antigua in the Caribbean.

The Atlantic Dash is one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Emma and Andrew will set sail on Saturday, January 24.

The brave couple, who are calling themselves Team SharkBait, will set sail alone in their 7-metre boat, named donkey in aid of different causes. There will be no support crew, no motor, and no sails. Just two people, two sets of oars, and the Atlantic Ocean!

They have already raised £5,845 of their £6,500 target in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance, The MS Society, Megan Starr Foundation and The Robin Cancer Trust.

Emma, who is a sister in A&E at Withybush Hospital, said: “I have been interested in rowing the Atlantic for 3 years now, and after a couple of team changes due to various reasons, I was thinking about doing it as a solo rower.

“Andrew has many challenges already under his belt and was looking for a new one, and when I asked him to join me, he jumped at the chance. I am delighted that Andrew has decided to join me. He is new to rowing but has not let that stop him in anyway and has taken to it like a duck to water.

“I have wanted to do this for a long time, for many reasons; the challenge, the charities, the adventure, the achievement and to prove to my children that nothing is impossible if you’re determined enough. To be able to share the highs and lows of this whole experience with Andrew has made the road ahead feel less daunting.”

Joiner Andrew, from Tenby, celebrated his 60th birthday this week in Lanzarote and has previous completed Ironman, amongst other things.

Mum-of-three Emma has been a Celtic longboat rower for over 20 years and has rowed from Ireland to Wales twice but never taken on anything as big as this challenge.

She said: “We have spent time training for the last few months, along with sourcing and purchasing the considerable amount of equipment needed to keep us safe. Many hours have been spent on the computer, learning about the specialist gear required.

“It’s been a long slog, but we are delighted to be in Lanzarote at the start line, finally and excited to get going. We hope to complete it and enjoy a cocktail or two in Antigua, fingers crossed, a couple of months after our start date!”

Reflecting on why the Wales Air Ambulance was chosen as one of the four charities to benefit from this fundraiser, Emma who thinks the service is essential said: “My daughter had an accident several years ago and although the air ambulance didn’t end up assisting, they were on standby to support. Having worked in A&E for many years, I have seen how much the air ambulance can do, not just with accidents but also with transportation of patients to more appropriate hospitals.”

Mike May, the Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for South West Wales, said: “The challenge ‘Team SharkBait’ has set themselves is incredible. Emma and Andrew are a brave and determined couple for taking on this remarkable challenge in aid of charities close to their hearts.

“We are extremely grateful to them both for supporting the Wales Air Ambulance. Emma knows firsthand how important the service is to the people of Wales when they need us most.

“The Charity relies on public donations to raise the £13 million required every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. We rely on fundraising events, like this one, to continue this 24/7 service across Wales.

“We were delighted to be one of their chosen charities for this huge adventure and appreciate Emma and Andrew’s support.

“Good luck with your challenge and stay safe.”

You can show your support to Emma and Andrew by donating to their fundraising page www.gofundme.com/f/sharkbait26

You can follow their progress via their Facebook page SharkBait.