As serving Firefighters, Craig and Stu have all had to overcome some form of mental health problem during their working life. Coping with the loss of colleagues at work, the regular pressures of making life and death decisions whilst attending a wide variety of life threatening incidents or daily pressures such as keeping a roof over their families’ heads. It is of no surprise that over the last few years we have all witnessed a dramatic increase in mental health issues in the workplace which is why the team are determined to do something about it, for everyone’s benefit.

Mental health issues are responsible for 72 million working days lost, costing the UK economy £34.9 billion each year. Poor mental health severely impacts both individuals and their families, especially those in the emergency services.

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is known as the world’s toughest row. It takes place over 3,000 nautical miles of treacherous, shark infested waters from San Sebastian in the Canary Islands to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua & Barbuda.

Throughout the journey, the team are likely to battle severe sleep deprivation, 20ft waves, salt sores, huge calorie deficits, hallucinations, minimal shelter and homesickness – particularly on Christmas Day.

They will be left with nothing but their thoughts, the vast ocean and the arduous task of getting the boat safely across.

The fundraising goal is high, but this is to ensure the team has the strength and endurance to reach the goal. The race is bigger than all of us and we will not let our charities down.