IT IS a journey described as epic by Olympic hero Sir Steve Redgrave.

Now, a team of doctors and nurses from Southampton Children's Hospital are getting ready to attempt it.

A crew of 12 will undertake the 200km challenge, of rowing between Jersey to Southampton in a feat never attempted before.

It will all be in aid of the city's children emergency and trauma department appeal.

Expected to take 24 hours, the row will begin on June 8, and will set a new record once completed.

Known as J2S, it has been described as epic by five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave.

The Olympian said: "Congratulations to all the doctors and nurses taking part in this epic row from Jersey to Southampton to raise money for the new children's emergency and trauma department. What an amazing thing they are all doing, good luck and well done – they all deserve gold medals."

The fundraising passed the halfway mark earlier this year. With £2 million initially needed to be matched by the Government, the total is now more than £1 million. The extra £1.1 million will be given by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

The row is being led by children's hospital director Dr Jason Barling, which will follow on from last year's 350-mile cycle event, Tour de Wessex.

Dr Barling said: "Team J2S have been training tirelessly for this event with the support of Langstone Rowing Club who have supplied the boat and crucial training tips to help us take on this extreme endurance challenge.

"We are hoping to raise at least £20,000 towards the appeal and what better incentive than knowing we are inching close to the final target while battling through the elements and fatigue."

The challenge is also being backed by double Olympic champion, James Cracknell.

James said: "I'd like to join Steve in wishing J2S the very best of luck in this mammoth challenge.

"Even by pro-rowing standards, this is no mean feat, so these amateur rowers are taking on a task of Herculean proportions. I look forward to following their journey and am sure they will inspire many people to support their endeavour through donations to this very worthwhile cause."

Suzie Simmons, head of fundraising at Southampton Hospital Charity, said: "Not only are our clinicians saving lives in our hospital every day, they are also taking on this gruelling challenge to raise money to improve our facilities for young patients and that is truly remarkable."

A further £900,000 is needed for the centre, which is expected to treat around 30,000 children annually around the south coast.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/companyteams/J2SROW2018.