A BLACKBURN woman set to launch a double world record rowing attempt has received tips and words of encouragement from Matthew Pinsent and David Cameron.

Helen Leigh, 26, a former St Wilfred’s High School pupil, is part of a six-strong, all-female crew aiming to raise £100,000 by sailing 3,000 miles unaided across the Atlantic in a tiny carbon boat.

The challenge, called ‘Row for Freedom’, aims to raise awareness of human trafficking.

Her bid to conquer the globe’s toughest rowing race, the Woodvale Challenge, had already received backing from celebrities and sports stars including Dermot O’Leary, Dame Kelly Holmes and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh.

And last week Helen and the team made a special visit to 10 Downing Street in order to meet the Prime Minister, who praised the women for their bravery and courage.

The team were also joined by four-time Olympic goal medallist and 10-time rowing world champion Matthew Pinsent, as they took part in rowing practice along the River Thames.

Helen said: “We’re rowing with Matthew Pinsent again at the famous Leander Rowing Club, which will be on Sky Sports.

“He is a really nice guy, he actually contacted one of the girls from our team to offer help and support.

“It was very surreal being at 10 Downing Street. They made us go in our rowing kit as well, which was a bit embarrassing.

“I thought we would dress up, but only I could go to Downing Street in trainers and Lycra!

“David Cameron was very interested and asked us all about the challenge.”

Helen said she had been training hard for the challenge, working on rowing machines and in the pool at Darwen Leisure Centre and doing strength work at Crossfit Gym in Clitheroe.

The team will set off in December and row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, to Barbados.

They aim to complete the challenge in 40 to 45 days, rowing for 12 hours a day each, to break the female speed crossing record.

Helen, who works for British Triathlon in the events team, already has several years of rowing experience under her belt and while at university achieved two British University Championship Medals.

The team is being trained by ex-Olympic rower Toby Garbett.

You can sponsor their efforts at www.rowforfreedom.com