TWO fearless rowers tackling a perilous North Atlantic Ocean crossing have been boosted by support from a leading Hampshire finance firm.

Lawrence Walters and Tom Rainey are battling the high seas in an epic bid to break the world record for rowing 3,800 miles from New York to Great Britain.

Now the Ocean Valour Team reveal that a donation from Romsey-based company Calculis Financial Planners is galvanising their challenge from Lower Manhattan to Salcombe, Devon.

The firm’s involvement is enabling Lawrence and Tom to secure better satellite communications with their land-based teams.

Lymington-born Lawrence and rowing mate Tom, from Salcombe in Devon, set off in their custom built 23ft long boat on Sunday, May 3.

The 23-year-olds hope to become the youngest pair to make the journey.

They are bidding to break the 119-year-record of 55 days and 13 hours by arriving there before 4.33am on Sunday, June 28.

The duo are also aiming to raise £250,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity, inspired by the loss of Tom’s father Luke in 2012.

Alex Pegley, Calculis managing director, said “When Lawrence’s parents mentioned that he was taking on this challenge with Tom, we recognised that it is an amazing endeavour.

“We wanted to both acknowledge that endeavour and support a very worthwhile charity.

“We wish them the best of luck.”

Ocean Valour’s communications and logistics manager, Chris Martin, thanked Calculis on behalf of the boys.

He added: “We are thrilled. Their sponsorship came at a pivotal time and has allowed the team to have more regular contact with their land support team via their satellite communications system, giving them the best chance to be successful in achieving their goals.”

Of the 60 crews to have attempted the journey from the US to the UK mainland by rowing boat, just 23 have completed it.

The challenge is dangerous and can occasionally be fatal. Five people who attempted it have been lost at sea.

Tom was originally due to row with 25-year-old Sam Coombs, from Clevedon.

But when Sam injured his back less than a month before their departure date, former Southampton University student Lawrence – who is from Lymington and now lives in Bristol – stepped in at the last minute to take his place.

The funds raised for the Brain Tumour Charity will be used for their new early detection project to find brain tumours earlier than ever before, allowing successful treatments to be administered.

The pair will are communicate via satellite phone during their journey.

A tracking device allows followers to keep tabs on their progress.