AN INTREPID rower from Waddington will join three others as they attempt to break the world record for rowing around Great Britain unaided.

Luke Tasker along with fellow rowers Oli Buck, Dan Forster and Leo Forster, are aiming to start their feat from Tower Bridge in London on Saturday, before returning to the same location.

They will attempt to circumnavigate the British Isles on their 30ft ocean rowing boat, adopting a two hours on - two hours off cycle 24 hours a day.

The group, who call themselves 'The Common Oars', will make all their own water and take on over 6,000 calories a day as they bid to beat the record which currently stands at 26 days, nine hours and four seconds.

Luke, 23, who also has links to Accrington, said the number of people who have completed the challenge is just 14, which means more people have been to the moon.

Former GB modern pentathlete Luke, who used to compete at Senior World Championships, European Championships and World Cups in the sport, said: “The idea to attempt this challenge came from Leo our skipper, who has done Ironman challenges in the past and just wanted to do something to test himself.

“Myself and the others didn’t take much persuading as we just want to do something unique that not many people have done.

“The Commons Oars was formed 18 months ago and we’ve been training and preparing ever since with things such as first aid courses and safety at seas courses.

“We’ve also been shown how to fix the water meter, which turns sea water into normal water to drink, which is obviously very important.”

The group will raise money during the challenge for the NuVasive Spine Foundation, a charity that carries out life changing spinal surgeries for disadvantaged communities around the globe. They hope to raise £75,000, and have to date raised over £12,000.

Luke said: “Dan works for the company NuVasive, who own the foundation, and he was lucky enough to meet a 16-year-old girl who suffered from spinal injuries.

“He got to see first-hand how the charity changed her life for the better and we all felt compelled to raise money for the amazing work it does.”

To donate money to The Commons Oars, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/thecommonoars.