A BLACKBURN woman is set to launch a double world record attempt in the globe's toughest rowing race.

Helen Leigh, 26, a former St Wilfred’s High School pupil, is part of a six-strong all-female crew aiming to raise £100,000 by sailing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in a tiny carbon boat.

Her bid has received backing from celebrities including Dermot O’Leary, Matthew Pinsent, Scouting For Girls, Dame Kelly Holmes and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh.

The challenge, called ‘Row for Freedom’, aims to raise awareness of human trafficking.

Helen, who works for British Triathlon in the events team, said said she was really looking forward to the challenge and was training hard.

She already has several years of rowing experience under her belt and and while at university achieved two British University Championship Medals.

Helen said: “I have a huge love of the outdoors and have taken part in the Cutty Sark Tall ships race. I am no stranger to the ocean. I also love long distance open water swimming and all things wild.

“For over a year I have been looking to take part in this amazing life changing challenge. When I was put in touch with the Row for Freedom crew I knew immediately that this was the team I was meant to be part of.

“I had heard nothing about the cause before and it has opened my eyes to the horrors of human trafficking.

“I am proud to be part of something that will potentially change the lives of millions for the better through raising awareness and fund-raising.

“I am also very keen to promote sport to young girls and I can’t think of a better way to be a role model than to cross the Atlantic with a team of six strong, capable, fantastic women.”

Survival expert Bear Grylls is also supporting the crew.

He said: “I so admire the determination of these ordinary girls trying to do something extraordinary. They embody the spirit of adventure – huge ambition, huge hardship and huge hearts.”

The team will set off in December and row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, to Barbados.

They aim to complete the challenge in 40 to 45 days to break the female speed crossing record.

The team is being trained by ex-Olympic rower Toby Garbett.