Norwich woman preparing for Talisker Atlantic Challenge

Abbey Platten will be part of a team of four women who will cast off from the Canary Islands in December for an unassisted row across the Atlantic Ocean.

The 26-year-old and her teammates could have to battle 40ft waves to reach Antigua in the Caribbean.

Abbey, who went to school in Heartsease at Open Academy, is taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge after jumping into the deep end in May when one of the initial team had to drop out.

However, Abbey is the current British record holder for the female 20-29 category with the most number of meters rowed in 24 hours, a remarkable 203,713m.

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With the gruelling challenge on the horizon, the personal trainer said: “I feel a little bit stressed but excited. When I put my body through its paces, it makes me feel alive.

"I want to do this row to prove that anything is possible if you want it enough.”

Abbey Platten, from Norwich, is preparing to row across the Atlantic (Image: There She Rows)

The challenge starts from La Gomera and the team, named There She Rows, hopes to complete the journey in under 40 days - rowing two hours on and two hours off, 24 hours a day.

Their name stems from highlighting that 1.6 million more men play sport once a week in the UK than women.

DONATE: There She Rows Atlantic Challenge

The funds raised will be split between four charities, with Abbey's share going to Norwich-based Eating Matters, as she battled anorexia between the ages of 16 and 19.

Abbey Platten, from Norwich, second from left, is preparing to row across the Atlantic (Image: There She Rows)

Abbey added: “I want to inspire as many people as possible struggling with their mental health to get help, do the work and learn to find the things that bring you happiness.”

The team have set themselves a £100,000 target, with more than £2,500 raised so far on their page at Gofundme.com.