A woman from Falmouth is hoping to become the first deaf person to row across the Atlantic when she takes part in a daring challenge as one quarter of the ‘Oarsome Foursome.’

The Cornish rowing team is made up of Mo O’Brien, Claire Allinson and Mo’s daughter Bird Watts, with the fourth member Linda Whittaker sadly having to withdraw from the race due to health issues, but still part of the crew, albeit land-based.

They will be raising money for Cornwall Blood Bikes, CareFree and Exmouth & Lympstone Hospice Care.

At the same time Mo, 59, who grew up in Falmouth and works in St Just, has set her sights on becoming the first deaf person to make the crossing in the Talisker Whisky Challenge.

She and her team are leaving for La Gomera, the second-smallest of the Canary Islands, today ready to begin the 3,000-mile crossing on December 12.

Deafness or hearing impairment is a disability recognised by the World Health Organisation and is particularly challenging at sea, as it can prevent rowers from hearing instructions properly or confuse their sense of space and directions.

Because of this, ReSound, a GN Hearing brand, is sponsoring the Oarsome Foursome and equipping Mo with its best hearing aid to support her throughout the challenge.

It is wearing hearing aids that inspired Mo to “do something incredible”.

She said: “My hearing loss has affected my personality in a big way, but I am no longer letting it stop me.

“Let’s realise that we don’t need to just exist through this life. You need to live it to the full and fulfil your dreams while you can.”

Her specialist hearing aid from ReSound will allow Mo to hear 360 degrees of sound - even through the wind and rain - clearly and comfortably as she moves in every direction and talks with her teammates.

Christina Molt-Wengel, senior vice president of global marketing for GN Hearing, said: “We are proud to sponsor the Oarsome Foursome as they journey over very deep water to achieve a fantastic accomplishment and raise money for charity.”

To support the team, GN Hearing has set up an online fundraising page for them at gofundme.com/f/gnrowvember.

The Oarsome Foursome’s other main sponsors are Coldplay, MUTU System and Crown Records Management.