Four police officers who are currently rowing across the Atlantic are about to come to the end of what has been the challenge of their lives.

Shirley police officer Justin Ellis, 32, is among the boat's crew and speaking to the Croydon Guardian from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean this week he said it had been "rewarding and terrifying".

The team is hoping to complete the 2,900-mile challenge in a world record breaking 39 days and all funds raised will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Led by Andy Ehrhart, 42, whose 12-year-old son suffers from the debilitating disease, the team flew to Tenerife in December and has since been rowing from the Canary Islands to the West Indies in a purpose-built boat.

They are part of a fleet taking up the challenge and the adventure ends in Antigua where the rowers' families will meet them.

The group has struggled with high winds, sharks and high waves, which they said made them feel as though they were "rowing uphill".

But Justin, from the Met's specialist training centre, said: "The weather has started to change as promised and we are starting to get some mileage back on the board which has been lacking since Christmas Eve."

The group has also been spurred on in other ways and Justin said his biggest contribution to the trip so far has been "a bag of jelly babies courtesy of Santa."

The Atlantic challenge was made famous by celebrity rowing team James Cracknell and Ben Fogle who rowed naked to prevent chaffing.

But Justin and his team have not taken their advice as they usually wear clothes while in the boat. Speaking about his motivation for completing the arduous challenge Andy said: "My son Ollie suffers from cystic fibrosis and has a great appetite for sport and outdoor pursuits. I want to inspire him to believe anything is possible - just give it a go."

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust funds research aimed at understanding, treating and curing the disorder and ensures those with the disease receive the best possible care and support.

For more information on the team or to donate funds visit 4row4cf.co.uk