A LITTLE Maplestead man is taking part in an unassisted row across the Atlantic in memory of a friend who committed suicide.

The group of four will be taking on the feat in December as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, in aid of the James Wentworth-Stanley Memorial Fund to raise awareness for depression, anxiety and suicide in young people and in particular young men.

The captain of the team, Harry Wentworth-Stanley, lost his brother James, 21, to suicide in 2006.

Ever since he has been on the lookout for a challenge to mark the tenth anniversary of James’s death and one which would live up to his brother’s outgoing and adventurous side.

Harry will be joined by Rory Buchanan, Sam Greenly and Toby Fenwicke-Clennell.

Toby, 27, of Little Maplestead, said: "In society today there is still a level of stigma attached to the subject of mental health.

"This makes it hard to talk about openly, which is something I have personally experienced.

"I am passionate that the success of this campaign will ultimately raise awareness for this sensitive subject, and hopefully help many for whom an exit from that spiral of depression can seem impossible.

"It is with this in mind that I will find extra strength at particularly tough times during the row."

The Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge is a test of mental and physical endurance, where 20 teams from around the world compete to cross the North Atlantic in the fastest time.

Row For James have set themselves the target of winning this year’s race and will be competing in the very same boat rowed to victory by Ocean Reunion in the 2015 race.

Row For James are aiming to raise in excess of £300,000 for the charity, which equates to £100 for every mile rowed.

The money will be put towards the process of setting up the first in a series of non-clinical crisis centres for those at high risk of suicide, to be known as "James’s Place" – a service that does not currently exist in the UK.

To sponsor them and find out more information, visit rowforjames.com/