Roehampton-based Richard Hume reckons the challenge of rowing the Atlantic is going to push the boundaries of his mental capabilities more than his physical strength.

The former Barnes Cricket Club member and team mate Tom Barnes follow in the oar strokes of James Cracknell and Ben Fogle when they start the 2,876-mile Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race in the Canary Islands on December 6.

The 26-year-old was once told he should never do intense exercise ever again after being diagnosed with a severe curvature of the spine and forced to wear a back brace for four years.

He completed the USA Triple Ironman in 52 hours 45 minutes last year and has been planning the latest project for the best part of two years - with serious preparations kicking-off exactly 12 months ago.

And he admits simply getting to the start line has meant training has taken a back seat leaving a race against time to be physically prepared for the three month competition.

“It is surreal to think there are less than six weeks left until we go,” he said at a final fundraising event in Chiswick last month.

“We haven’t actually thought about the rowing part of it. Physically I’m not convinced it is going to be that hard, but mentally it is going to be much harder than anything I’ve ever experienced.

“We haven’t done nearly as much work on training as we have on fundraising. This is probably the most unfit I’ve been in the last three years, but I am a lot stronger.”

Hume and Barnes, a former winger for Weybridge Vandals, have raised the best part of £60,000 to pay for the trip - with the aim of raising a further £100,000 for Ataxia UK.

And they should reach Antigua in time to watch England’s Six Nations play Wales in the Six Nations on February 6, 2010.

“I’ve always said I’d get us to the finish line if Tom got us to the start line in terms of sponsorship. It has been a joint effort,” he added.

“Now it is a case of planning our course and working out what we do in situations like if I was washed over board.

“It is surreal, but at the same time massively exciting and we both just want to get going.”

To follow their progress - and if you want to sponsor the pair - visit rowingtheatlantic.com for more information.