A small team will be rowing a distance the equivalent of the Cornish Coastline in the centre of Truro, within 24 hours, to raise money for maternity and new born care in Cornwall.

Six men from across Cornwall and Somerset are all members of Ailla’s Angels, and will be using two rowing machines on Lemon Quay. They will begin at midday on Saturday, October 14, and will row in relay the 296 miles that equate to rowing around the entire county.

With a target of £5,000, the money raised will be donated to the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust’s Birth And Baby Appeal – BABA, which has a target of £500,000 to equip and enhance the environments in the maternity and neonatal units at Treliske hospital.

Andy Mulhern, team captain, said: “My little girl, Ailla, is here today because of the doctors and nurses at Treliske hospital. Ailla was born in difficult circumstances and needed urgent intervention and resuscitation. The team at Treliske ultimately saved her life, and I will be eternally grateful to them. They are all Ailla’s angels.”

He added: “In 2015, with five close friends, I undertook a three peaks challenge - #Aillas3Peaks - to raise funds for the unit. I’m over the moon that the same friends are regrouping to undertake this new challenge - #CornishCoastChallenge – which will be equally as demanding. I can’t thank them all enough for rallying around my challenges and helping to raise much needed funds. They too are all Ailla’s angels.”

Two members of the team will row at all times, in a non-stop 24-hour relay, with an invitation to members of the public to hop aboard a third rowing machine to help ensure that the challenge is met.

Karen Murrish, fundraiser for BABA, said: “Andy and his team are helping to provide additional equipment and enhance the environments in the maternity and neonatal units, giving parents and babies in Cornwall the very best start on their incredible journey.

"We passionately believe that women, babies and their families deserve the best possible care. Andy and his team are part of our very special vision and are making a real difference."

For further information, or to donate uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CornishCoastChallenge.