AUTOMOTIVE suppliers in Worcestershire are all set to play a major role in helping two sporting enthusiasts complete a record breaking trans-Atlantic challenge.

Accelerate, the supply chain initiative for the region, has announced that Rachel Smith and Lin Griesel's Atlantic Rowing Challenge in aid of Breast Cancer Care will be its official 10th birthday charity.

The two intrepid adventurers are looking to raise £100,000 by rowing nearly 3,000 miles from the Spanish Island of La Gomera to Antigua and the pair could face up to 30 feet high waves, blistering heat, large oil tankers and a variety of wildlife along the way.

Lucy Prinsep, project manager for Accelerate, said: "2006 is a very special birthday for us and we wanted to choose a unique charity to get behind. Breast Cancer Care has been listening and talking to people about breast cancer for nearly 30 years and responds to over two million requests for support and information each year.

"Both Rachel and Lin have had family members who have had breast cancer, so this challenge is one very close to their hearts."

Formed in 1996, Accelerate is planning a host of events that will be used as fundraising exercises for the Atlantic Rowing Challenge, which is due to launch in late 2007.

The first one is a cheese and wine reception at Autolinks - on Thursday, June 8, at the Millennium Point, closely followed by the industry-leading awards evening on Wednes-day, November 8.

There will also be a number of other smaller events across the region and personal fund-raising challenges to ensure the Accelerate donation reaches more than £10,000.

Added Ms Prinsep: "The duo need £66,560 just to cover the cost of the boat, supplies and emergency back-up and, on top of that, are looking to raise more than £100,000 for Breast Cancer Care and break a few records in the process.

"While Worcestershire suppliers can get involved through Accelerate-backed events, we are also asking them to show the rest of the world what we can achieve in this area by doing their own thing as well.

"They can donate prizes for raffles, undertake their own fund raising events or even sponsor some part of the trip. For instance, you can become a land member of the crew and get regular e-bulletins on progress, you can pay to have a joke read on the boat for a day and you can even sponsor the food they eat!"

Rachel, who works as a marketing manager for Bank of Scotland, said she and Lin are determined to make it through the challenge.

"Every penny we raise is important, as it can have a major impact on lives, from providing fact sheets and booklets to operating the helpline and the online Ask the Nurse Service.

"Accelerate is our first official gold sponsor and is a tremendous start to our year-long fund-raising drive. It is also joining forces with Saltwater PR to help us promote the challenge."

Funded by Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund, Accelerate is the supply chain initiative for the West Midlands. It provides strategic and financial assistance, including business development grants, supply chain improvement networks and technology transfer centres.