FOUR police officers are gearing up to row the Atlantic for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Andy Ehrhart, whose 12-year-old son suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, Nick Young, Mark Hefford and Justin Ellis have left the UK for a final week’s preparation in the Canary Islands before the race starts in a few days' time.

The officers from Gravesend’s Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre are aiming to row 2,900 miles between the Canary Islands and the West Indies in a purpose-built boat to raise £75,000.

Andy, 42, from West Wickham, Nick, 38, from Caterham, Mark, 45, from West Wickham and Justin, 32, from Croydon, will join a fleet of other boats taking up the challenge.

The challenge is expected to take between 40 and 80 days.

Not satisfied with merely crossing the Atlantic, the four have set themselves an even greater challenge and are aiming to cross the finish line and beat the present record of 39 days.

Andy said: “My son, Ollie, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and has a great appetite for sport and outdoor pursuits. I want to inspire him to believe anything is possible, just give it a go.”

The team, called Mission Atlantic, will be contributing towards the £8 million a year needed by the charity to carry out their vital work ensuring that those with CF receive the best possible care and support in all aspects of their lives, as well as funding research aimed at understanding, treating and curing the disorder.

*To sponsor the team, contact Mark Hefford at 07785 564546 or go to justgiving.com\\4row4cf