A CRAFT fair event is being held in Oswestry to raise funds for a group set to take on the gruelling challenge of rowing across the world's second largest ocean.

Ian Davies of Oswestry is part of the them of four taking on the Atlantic rowing challenge, in which they will attempt to row a huge total of more than 3,000 miles across to the Caribbean islands.

The group, named the Atlantic Mavericks, will set off in December as they aim to raise money for selected charities.

Ian's wife Maureen Lamb insists her husband's decision to take on the challenge was made on impulse and said she has her own way of getting through the time he will spend away on the water!

“It was very much out of the blue when Ian decided to get on board with this, and it has taken a few years to get to this point,” she said.

“The group has spent time getting used to being in the water – they rowed from Dublin to Aberystwyth across the Irish Sea last week.

“I’m trying not to think about him going to be honest, but I’ll be going over to Antigua to meet him at the end so that’s getting me through it!”

The two charities Ian will be rowing in aid of are Myeloma UK and 353 – a charity for the 353rd soldier to lose his life in Afghanistan.

Ian is in remission for Myeloma and has taken part in the Rugby for Heroes events in the past in support of the 353 charity.

The group has a target of £80,000, and Maureen insists they are well on their way to that target.

She added: “Ian loves a challenge and always wants something to work towards.

“I often worry what he’s planning to challenge himself with next!

“The response so far has been lovely – with events like this one, the more people we get along for support, the merrier!

“They have bought the boat, now they need to pay for training costs and food for the journey.

“It is estimated the row will take between 45 and 50 days.”

The fundraising event will be held at Oswestry Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 1 between 10am and 12.30pm.

Crafts, books, plants cakes and refreshments will be on sale along with a raffle.

For further details, contact Maureen on 07891 251343.

To find out more about the team and their challenge, visit www.atlanticmavericks.com