AN OXFORDSHIRE fundraiser is part of a crew set to row across the English Channel to raise £20,000 for cancer charities.

Tennis coach Tom Greenland, from Long Wittenham, is part of a group who have formed a crew named Waves4Hope aiming complete the challenge of rowing the Channel at its widest point – from Niewpoort in Holland to Ramsgate in Kent.

One of the three cancer charities, Saving Faces, is devoted to the prevention and treatment of facial disease, injury and oral cancer. Royal Marsden Cancer Charity aims to pioneer new treatments and Sail 4 Cancer provides water-based respite holidays for families affected by the disease.

Mr Greenland, 34, said: “I think everyone knows someone who has had cancer and to be able to give something back to help the cause is great.”

The crew, who have already raised £10,000, set off on June 13 and hope to make the crossing in 16 hours.