TWO brothers from the Isle of Wight aim to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to show young people it is possible to overcome health issues.
Adam Pereira, of Cornwall Road, Ventnor, and Jacob Benger-Pereira, of York Road, Ventnor, will take on the Talisker Atlantic Challenge in December, and the duo have already kicked off their fundraising campaign.
The pair will face 40ft swells, storms, and spend up to three months at sea on their seven-metre boat.
Adam, 48, a professional sailor and composite boatbuilder, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 33. It caused him to lose his job as a deep water explorer on an oil rig.
Adam, who has a 24-year-old son, said: "I want to inspire and motivate other diabetics around the world, young and old, and show they have the right to pursue their dreams and live their lives to the absolute full."
Jacob, 39, a HGV driver, has struggled with mental illness and wants to help other people get through tough times.
The father-of-three said: "If I can inspire kids and adults who struggle with mental illness to crack the mind's habit of depression and to open up something else in their lives, then this trip will be well worth it."
The brothers will raise money for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services IW and Diabetes UK through sponsorship but first they need to raise £60,000 to cover the costs of medical support, entry fees, food and electronic equipment.
UKSA has kindly allowed them to keep their boat in Cowes for free until the race.
www.justgiving/crowdfunding/TeamAtlantis is the site to support the brothers.