THEY have just a year to go — and now Bolton’s Atlantic Challenge rowing crew have started their training in earnest.

Four men hope to raise £250,000 to support Bolton Lads and Girls Club’s mentoring work.

In addition to undertaking the huge physical demands of rowing 4,000 miles, Matt Tomkin, Mark Brocklehurst, Finn Christo and Nick Griffiths represent businesses which are backing the challenge and are appealing for more sponsors to come forward.

They were filmed at the Helio gym, in Manchester Road, Bolton, which has given them free membership and hopes to raise £5,000 for the cause.

Mr Tomkin, of Comms Consult and new business VO2 Sportswear, said: “We had three hours of filming to produce footage for TV, website videos and blogs. The camera crew work for drinks firm Diageo which now sponsors the race, known officially as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

“Last year’s race featured on Sky TV, ITV, EuroSports and other networks and the camera crew is filming teams across the UK.

“We’re now building up our training with help from the gym. We’ll increase from two hours’ practice a week to six or seven hours per day in the last few weeks leading up the race. We are also going on a coast-to-coast cycle race in May, entering Bolton’s Iron Man challenge and doing the Horwich Triathlon.

“Finn is getting involved with martial arts events. People can sponsor us for these forthcoming events if they wish, which will all go towards our £250,000 target.”

Bolton Therapy Centre, in Chorley Old Road, run by Karen Willcock, is providing the men with regular physiotherapy sessions during their training worth £12,500. It has also helped with Mr Tomkins’ chest problems.

He said: “I suffered from sports asthma and had some back problems. I had treatment for that and am back training again. Karen’s support for me and the crew is a massive help. We really appreciate it.”

The other crew members work for Appliances Online, BUPA and The Sharples Group. Vincent Kelly, aged 50, from Lostock, who died in the Nepal air crash in September, was due to take part in the challenge.

n To sponsor the rowers or find out more, visit boltonatlanticchallenge.co.uk