LIAM Steevenson is off to row the Atlantic – in a bid to break the world record, as a celebration of his son's life – and to support a charity that has become very close to his heart.

On February 14, Liam, 36, will set off with a team of seven men.

The current record for rowing the 3,000 miles from Gran Canaria to Barbados is 32 days and the team is aiming to break the 30-day barrier.

It is considered to be one of the hardest endurance events – fewer people have achieved the row than have climbed Mt Everest.

Liam is taking part to try and raise awareness for the Children's Cancer Charity CLIC Sargent.

He explained: 'It is a chance for me to try and raise as much money as possible for the fantastic charity that is CLIC Sargent.

'CLIC offer support to families dealing with cancer in childhood, and it was one that came to the rescue of my family five years ago, when my then 18-month old son was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

'An incredibly tough few years followed with surgery, chemotherapy and endless blood tests, and it tested the strength of our family in so many ways. CLIC Sargent were incredible in always being there when we needed them, offering support, information and even accommodation, when we were too tired to drive home after hours of chemotherapy. 'My son is a healthy seven year old now and when I sat on a ski-lift with him last March, with a huge smile on his face having just raced down his first red run, I promised myself I would do something to say thank you for those that helped him. So this row is for them.'

When trying to choose a challenge, Liam already had his sights set on rowing the Atlantic.

'When I was 16 years old I read 'A Fighting Chance', the account of Chay Blyth and John Ridgway's first ever row of the Atlantic, back in 1966' said Liam.

'Their story was inspiring to a teenage boy and, ever since, I have held the ambition to follow their lead and row the Atlantic myself. At 36 I felt that if I was going to push the boundaries of my own physical ability, this was the time to do it. I wanted a challenge that would take me to my very limit, physically and mentally – one that would test me.

'The Atlantic row is perfect – to find out what I wanted to know about myself, could I cope in a situation of complete adversity.'

Liam, who lives in Kingsbridge and runs the Red and White Wine Company, was selected for the challenge after an interview process based on fitness, ability and personality. He will be joining seven other men – two from America, one from New Zealand, one from France and three from the UK. They were all selected through an intensive process.

Liam is currently training in the gym twice a day and spending up to four hours at a time on the rowing machine in his kitchen.

Liam said: 'Right now I am concentrating on eating as it is expected we will lose up to three stone during the trip'.

'We have built in Totnes the most advanced ocean rowing boat ever made, and the crew is made up of incredibly experienced people including one World Champion-ship Rower and three that have rowed the Atlantic at least twice before.'

To find out more about the challenge or to sponsor Liam visit http://www.liamstevenson.com">www.liamstevenson.com