Rowers from three Southampton rowing clubs and two members of the GB adaptive rowing squad are preparing to head for the open seas and row around the Isle of Wight - all in the name of charity.

The row - which is in aid of the Steve Redgrave Trust along with the Lisa Wilson scholarship fund, the Haemachromatosis society, and the Great Britain adaptive rowing squad -highlighting the fact that rowing is now a Paralympic sport.

Gus Mckechnie, who set up the challenges after he lost his brother Andrew to Haemachromatosis, and previously his father from the resulting stress of the tragic loss, said: "I am determined that the effort made by my parents should not be in vain, and the charity attempts have been set up to prove that any one can determine their own fate." Gus also will develop the condition and currently has regular blood tests.

The Isle of Wight crew will consist of:
· Caroline Munday-Cox (Southampton Institute Rowing Club and Coalporters) · Vivienne Chmarny-Cox (Coalporters rowing club) · Gus Mckechnie (SIRC and Coalporters) · James Dil (SIRC) · Nick Ratcliffe (SIRC) · James Forward (Southampton University Boat Club) · Dave Manns (SUBC) · Alex Clark (SUBC) · Charlie Palmer (SUBC alumni and Cambridge University Boat Club) · Naomi Riches (Great Britain Adaptive squad) · Katie George Dunlevy (SIRC and Great Britain Adaptive squad) · Alex Nichol (SUBC) Gus will also be taking on more challenges for the charities, including the Boston marathon - that's 50km of rowing in Lincolnshire rather than the US running version - and a cycle ride from Coalporters Rowing Club to Weymouth Rowing Club stopping by Southampton Football Club and Dorchester Football club. Sir Steve Redgrave, who set up his charitable Trust in 2001 to help improve opportunities for children and young people across the UK, said: "The challenges which the team have set themselves are very testing and I wish them the very best of luck. They are putting in a huge amount of effort but for some very worthy causes." Further information why should you support these challenges from Gus: 2003 was heart breaking time for our family, we lost my father Ian and my brother Andrew. Andrew had been suffering from a genetic condition called Haemachromotis which he had lost the will to fight despite the love and support from all the family. The pain of watching his son fade took its toll on my dad and he passed away on new years day that year eight months before Andrew did. I have blood tests for the condition and know enough in advance to live a long life. I would like to raise money for the Haemachromatosis society who helped my family during the difficult times and continue to offer support to others. Also we are raising money to help other charities as well. Lisa Wilson was a graduate from Southampton Institute, she passed away while travelling in 2002. Her parents set up a scholarship fund to help young people into education in her name and have since raised £58,000. A friendship born out of tragic circumstances has lead to me supporting them and would love to continue. More information on the fund can be found at www.lisathedaddy.com I have also decided to fund raise for the Great Britain adaptive rowing squad. I have formed a friendship with one of the rowers from last years squad and believe they deserve more help to acheive their aims. I hope to not only aim to raise money for the squad but to raise awareness of the disabled atheletes that do so much to represent our country. The fundraising wouldn't of been possible without the support from the Stev Redgrave Trust. So a quarter of what we raise will go to them, i hope i can help Sir Steve acheive his charitable aims as well. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Also the donations can benefit from gift aid. I want to demonstrate that you can control your own fate and doing anything you put your mind to. There is also a training diary on the bbc hampshire website at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/content/articles/2005/05/06/studentrowers_feature.shtml Also check out www.instituterowing.com and www.coalporters.org for more details.