Dear all,

I've been lucky enough to find myself a place on the 14 man boat Britannia 3 to row across the Atlantic in January 2011 as part of the Allum Cup. Despite the date on the left we aim to leave on the 12th January (not long now...).

Ever optimistic, and aiming high, we are looking to break the current record of a 32 (and a bit) days crossing from La Gomera in the Canaries to Port St.Charles in Barbados which was set in 2008.

While I've done a few sporting challenges before, this is one that I thought I could ask for your support to raise money for the Myasthenia Gravis Association. I am financing my expedition costs personally so all money raised is for the MGA.

Myasthenia Gravis is a little known autoimmune neuromuscular disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myasthenia_gravis) which some of you will know has directly impacted on me in the past. I hope that the money raised can help people who have not been as fortunate as I have been.

I am under no illusions of just how hard it is going to be and just how much of an impact the weather will have on the record attempt, but I'm also really happy that i can undertake the journey to raise money and awareness for the MGA.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page - If you would like to read more about the crossing and track our progress our website is www.woodvale-works.com. The best all-round ocean rowing resource (despite its appearance) is http://www.oceanrowing.com/ - if you are keen to find out more.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks ever so much - back in February!

Ben