Ben is a 31 year old Prison Service Physical Education Senior Officer at HMYOI Swinfen Hall. He has been a PE Officer for 9 years. Ben enjoys his job as he interacts with both staff and prisoners and enjoys the challenges that the job throws up. Born and brought up in Weymouth, Dorset has close links with the sea but until now has never really taken on any ocean based challenges. He completed the Ironman France race in 2004 and at 16 stone and 6 feet 5 is no easy accomplishment. He has played county level Football and cricket and as a student represented the Region at Volleyball and Basketball. A talented sportsman who will try anything, as is proven by his entry in to this adventurous race.

Ben is working towards making this race an adventure of a lifetime and is fully determined, as well as winning the race to raise a large amount of money for the chosen charity.

Ben admits that there is an awful lot to learn about the sport of Ocean Rowing before the boys set off on their bid to bring back glory, but promises everyone involved from sponsors to employers and from friends to family the following:

"We will be as ready as we could ever be. We have given ourselves enough time to plan and prepare for a safe, effective crossing and will not sacrifice our own lives if that time ever comes. In Mark I have a strong, talented and committed man to back me up. We will do our best to succeed."

Mark is originally from the south coast and also has an interest in the sea and a natural desire to be close to it. With this challenge this may be closer than he had previously ever dreamt.

He is a keen footballer representing his region in his younger days and now as a Prison Service Physical Education Senior Officer at HMP Blakenhurst enjoys taking part in a wide variety of activities. He is a talented sportsman who, like his rowing partner on this journey never really stuck to one sport and became a "Jack of all trades". In this rowing pair Mark will be seen very much as the engine room at 18 stone and 6 Feet 5 Inches. He has never done any events that have involved a lot of endurance but is looking forward to this one with great anticipation.

Mark has for the last 5 years held the Prison Service record for 2000 Metres on the Rowing machine with a very respectable 6 Minutes and 4 Seconds.

Mark was recently quoted as saying the following to some colleagues:

"I am looking forward to the race. The preparation will be hard, but I am fully prepared for the long haul. We will have to commit ourselves 100% in the early part of the adventure to ensure we reach the start line fully prepared and then 200% to achieve what we know we are capable of. Sea sickness aside, I cant wait!"