A Teddington woman will brave blisters, salt sores and sleep deprivation as she joins three others in a non-stop row across the Atlantic.

Rebecca Charlton, from Stanley Road, will join Charlotte Best, Kate Hallam and Sarah Hornby in the 3,000-mile Atlantic Challenge. Setting off on December 15 from the Canary Islands as part of the 30-team race, they will attempt to break two world records in the race to Antigua while raising money for charity.

Ms Charlton, 26, is an ex-swimmer and keen adventurer who recently climbed the highest mountain in Iraq, but said this would be her biggest challenge to date.

She said: "I am really excited. I think probably the hardest thing will be not being able to see any family or friends and I imagine there will be some very lonely times. I will miss fresh food too.

"I am quite nervous about capsizing in storms and bad weather. We will be tied to the boat at all times but that’s a very scary thought."

The world records for fastest female crew of four and fastest all-woman crew (made up of five female rowers) are 67 days and 45 days respectively, and Ms Charlton is confident her crew, named Team Atlantic Endeavour, can beat both.

The human resources business partner, who had never rowed prior to deciding on the challenge, said: "I think there’s a saying among ocean rowers that getting to the start is the hardest part.

"We have been working closely with a strength and conditioning coach trying to build up as much muscle as possible as we will lose a lot while we are out there.

"Our rowing coaches have highlighted to us though, that they can teach us to row in a river but things will be very different in the sea."

The team are still on the hunt for sponsorship and a boat. To find out more, visit atlanticendeavour.com.