RAF Gunners swap the air for the sea as they row across Atlantic for mental health

A team of four RAF Gunners are battling harsh conditions as they make their way across 3,200 miles of the Atlantic Ocean.

The rowers, who are all serving members of the Royal Air Force Regiment, are undertaking the Atlantic Rocks challenge to raise money for charity.

Sergeant Phil Angus, Corporal Gary Binns, Corporal Justin Wallace and Sergeant Dan Martin are sailing from Marina Rubicon in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to the Jolly Harbour in Antigua.

However, they are rowing against challenging conditions, and the current is working against them.

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Speaking to Amy Casey on BFBS Totally Connected, Sgt Martin said: "We don't usually spend a lot of time on the water.

"We've had to change course a couple of times. Today is a particularly bad day, the current is coming in from the west and we want to be going in that direction.

"So hopefully we’ll get a big change tomorrow."

Despite the difficulties caused by the weather, the Gunners are maintaining high morale.

Sgt Martin added: "The mood on the boat is actually really good. Morale? We're keeping it high.

"We're all benefiting from being able to speak to our families every day. We're getting through it. Sticking together. It’s tough.

"We're looking out for each other, and we’re looking forward to getting going in the next few weeks."

The team are completing the 3,200-mile row for Tough Enough to Care, a mental health charity which works against the stigma around men’s mental health.