FOUR rowers are closing in on their goal three weeks after setting off on a challenge that would push the limits of human endurance.

The Four Oarsmen have been rowing continuously since December 14 after setting out on their voyage from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands.

One of the rowers, Cumbrian George Biggar, was inspired to take up the oar to raise money in memory of his late mother. Anne Fisher was just 56 when she died in 2011 after a long battle with her mental health.

It was her legacy which spurred on the Oarsmen to raise money for mental health charity MIND, and to push their bodies as far as humanly possible.

Speaking before he departed, Mr Biggar said: "Emotionally it's been a roller coaster. There have been periods, moments when I have to face up to and confront in a frank way all this past emotional challenges that I've carried in respect of mum."

The team are also raising money for Spinal Research in support of one of the rowers' old classmates, who was paralysed in a rugby accident.

Since they set out, the Four Oarsmen have been at the front of the race. Since December 27 they have been able to pull ahead, and are maintaining their lead into the final stretch.

Although communication is difficult when out in the mid Atlantic, the group have been able to post snippets on their progress. On January 8 they wrote: "We assure you its been a gruelling 48hrs. The weather has not been great and our direction change lost us speed. We are motoring again now but all our bits are hurting! Spread the word we are doing this for great causes!!!"

The 3,000 mile row, which concludes on the Caribbean island of Antigua, should be over for the tired rowers within the week.

Based on their current pace the team are expected to arrive at the island on Friday January 12.

To keep up to speed with how the team is getting on visit www.thefouroarsmen.com.

You can also donate to their fundraising appeal, which has so far raised more than £250,000, at the same website.