Thomas Cremona and his team of five other rowers have started their attempt to beat the mid-Atlantic World Rowing Record.

They cast off from Tarfaya in Morocco at 2.20 p.m. for their 5,000km row to Barbados.

For 22-year-old accountant Thomas, however, the row is more than about beating a record. His purpose is to show that there is a life after cancer and to raise funds for Puttinu Cares. Thomas survived Leukaemia when he was four years old and has since been a keen sportsman.

His father Alfred said the boat Sarah G was rowed out in ideal weather conditions and its crew were confident that they could reach their destination ahead of the current record 33 days, 7 hours and 30 minutes.

The departure was delayed because of bad weather, but it enabled the international crew to rest for two nights and better prepare themselves.

If his mission is accomplished, Mr Cremona will be the first Maltese person to row across the Atlantic.

Donations in support of Puttinu Cares can be made on

SMS: 50617380 - €2.33; 50618939 - €6.99; 50619225 - €11.65

Phone: 50049543 - €7.00; 50049545 - €11.00; 50049540 - €23.00

Bank: Bank of Valletta account 400 1812 2134