A TEAM of amateur rowers from Caerleon is gearing up to cross the Atlantic Ocean next month.

Hugo Thompson, Joel Wood, John Morgan, and Monty Williams, all aged 26, make up Team Oarstruck and will be doing the crossing in aid of Diabetes UK Cymru.

A spokeswoman for Diabetes UK Cymru said: “The four friends have no previous rowing experience, but together will row 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

“They will fly out to the Canary Islands on November 28 to prepare their boat, Tiny Dancer, and will cross the starting line on 12 December. They hope to complete their transatlantic journey within 50 days.”

Mr Thompson, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October 2015, aged 24, said: "It feels like the challenge has come around so quickly, and it will be race day before we know it!

"We are very excited to be tackling this huge voyage as a team.

“We’re not underestimating the challenge: more people have climbed Everest than rowed the Atlantic.

"It will be tough but we’re prepared and have been practicing in case anything goes wrong or we are hit by a storm."

Mr Thompson said he is “confident” he will be able to manage his diabetes throughout the challenge.

“My girlfriend is a nurse and has helped teach the others what to do if I become unwell,” he said. "As I exercise a lot, especially during my training for this challenge, I am aware of how it affects my blood glucose levels and how to take care of it.

“Diabetes won’t stop me from doing anything – even crossing an ocean.”

Dai Williams, national director for Diabetes UK Cymru said: “We are absolutely in awe of Team Oarstruck, and especially Hugo, who is set to be the first person with Type 1 diabetes to make this momentous crossing.

"He goes to show that being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes should not hold anyone back. It’s an amazing challenge to take on, and we wish Team Oarstruck the very best of luck on their voyage."

Follow the team’s voyage at oarstruck.com and sponsor them at justgiving.com/Oarstruck