AN adventurous woman has an emotional reason to complete a mammoth bid to row across the Atlantic ocean.

RAF air loadmaster Jane MacIntosh, of Martley, near Worcester, will be rowing the 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean with three teammates from the force. They will be competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge rowing race as Team Atlantic Forces.

The team has more than 30 years combined military experience supporting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.

Now they are hoping to become the first mixed-sex military team to complete the race which is known for its extreme conditions.

Ms MacIntosh said: “I sadly lost my father two years ago after a long battle with dementia. My dad was my rock, he introduced me to sailing at a young age and instilled in me a love of the sea.

“As a keen rower and captain of the RAF Brize Norton Rowing Club, I introduced my teammates to rowing and we’re all looking forward to completing this amazing challenge.”

Ms MacIntosh will be joined by aircraft technician Warren Burns, pilot Elizabeth Herbert, of 216 Squadron, and Howard Raw, air loadmaster on 47 Squadron, who are also based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

The team will be rowing two hours on, two hours off, 24-hours per day for a minimum of 50 days enduring tropical storms, sleep deprivation, sweltering heat and the psychological stresses of living and working in such a dangerous and unpredictable environment.

They will face waves more than 40 feet high and burn about 8,000 calories per day, losing about 20 per cent of their body weight during the course of the race.

Team Atlantic Forces will be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society, Action for Children and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

“Each of us holds our chosen charities close to our hearts and we hope to raise both awareness and funds for the causes,” said Ms MacIntosh.

Talisker’s Sophie Brookes said: “We are delighted that Team Atlantic Forces has signed up to the race and wish them all the best.

“To us, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge presented itself as the perfect opportunity to support a remarkable adventure that at the same time benefits so many charities.”

To donate, visit atlanticforces.co.uk.