A STUDENT will brave rough weather conditions to raise money for homeless people.

Tom Harvey, of Brunel University is preparing to row across the Atlantic Ocean to gather funds for the charities The Big Issue Foundation and Crisis and Raleigh International.

The 29-year-old will take on the challenge with three other people to make the group - Team Pura Vida, which is Costa Rican for Full of Life.

They are also taking doing it in a bid to beat the current world record of 37 days.

The four will be covering 2,800 miles of ocean and facing weather condition ranging from sun to torrential rain and thunder storms.

Tom said: "The race is a test of our mental and physical endurance, and we are primed and ready.

"We can't forget that we're also doing this to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people in the UK. We count ourselves lucky that despite all the dangers the Atlantic Ocean has to throw at us, we've still got homes to return to."

"The crossing is sure to leave us with memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Regardless of the race results, the chance to compete in an event such as this and to experience the open ocean in such an immediate and hands-on fashion is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Team Pura Vida will compete in the 2007 Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race, which sets off on Sunday, December 2.

To read more about the team or to make a donation you can visit www.atlanticrowingchallenge.com/blog