A POLICE officer will face sharks, a lack of sleep and the challenge of his life when he attempts to row across the Atlantic.
PC Kez Bostock is part of a seven-man team who will attempt the 2,900 mile journey in a world record time next month.
The Notts Police officer and the rest of the crew will try to row from Puerto de Mogan, Gran Canaria to Port St Charles, Barbados, in less than 30 days.
PC Bostock, 42, an ex-Royal Marines Commando, ended up on the team after his tattoo was spotted by an organiser at a boat show.
The dad-of-two has the design of the long-distance Ironman triathlon logo on one leg after completing two previous events.
After talking to him, organisers thought he was made of the right stuff and offered him a place.
PC Bostock said: "More people have climbed Everest than have rowed the Atlantic – it's quite an extreme challenge, it's you against Mother Nature."
Each member of the team will row for two hours and then sleep for two in shifts so their boat, Titan, can smash the current record by two days.
PC Bostock, who is more used to breaking down doors on raids as part of the force's Tactical Support Group, is training two-and-a-half hours a day on a rowing machine in his house and is also running and cycling.
He added: "You think about risks a bit more as you get older, but my wife Emma supports me – without her backing me I wouldn't be able to do it. She keeps me together.
"Things like this don't come around often. I feel privileged just to be given the opportunity.
"I just can't imagine breaking the record. I just think the whole thing would be humbling."
GPS trackers will monitor the team's progress and they will stay in touch with land by using a satellite phone, although there will be no support boat. They will set off around January 8.
PC Bostock is collecting sponsorship for Help for Heroes as part of the challenge. To find out more visit www.titanrow.com.
