A former Sittingbourne schoolgirl is to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Katherine Windsor, who attended Highsted Grammar, and her Ace of Blades team-mates are taking part in an event known as the ‘World’s Toughest Row’.

Windsor, a 30-year-old project manager, starts the challenge today from San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands.

Along with crewmates Lizz Watson, Laura Langton and Beth Motley, she’ll row two hours on, two hours off, for anything up to 50 days before crossing the finish line in Antigua.

They’ve been training for two years and will be raising money for three charities - the Outward Bound Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and Mind and Prostate Cymru.

“It’s not without good reason that this is known as one of the world’s toughest rows,” said Windsor.

“Sea sickness is inevitable, as is dealing with salt sores, sleep deprivation and technical problems.

“Then there is doing battle with whatever the weather gods throw at us in the form of violent storms and 20ft waves, all of which will threaten to capsize our boat, not to mention risk of a Blue Marlin strike and flying fish leaping on board.”

Windsor’s taste for adventure goes back to her school days when she was a member of the 2230 Sittingbourne Air Cadets based out of Westlands School where she spent weekends away on camp at a variety of air bases across the UK.

Always heavily involved in sports at school and university this has continued into her adult life.

After learning to row at Lancaster University, she joined Maidstone and Invicta Rowing Club on her return home, with whom she raced competitively at competitions across the UK.

“After we leave La Gomera we’re pretty much on our own until we hit Antigua,” said Windsor.

“It’s us versus the elements and Mother Nature. It’s nothing short of a psychological battle.

“The row will undoubtedly push us to physical extremes, but then it’s mindset that will be all important when it comes to dealing with the vastness of the ocean and getting ourselves safely to the other side.”