The Duchess of Cornwall has sent a personal good luck message to the three young women with links to Lady Eleanor Hollis (LEH) in Hampton who set off later this month to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic to raise money for cancer charities.

The Duchess learned of their 'ExtraOARdinary' challenge last month and was so impressed she sent a letter to the trio, Charlotte Irving, who rowed at LEH and Abby Johnson, a rowing coach at the school and Kat Cordiner, who is fighting a personal battle against cervical cancer.

The letter, from Clarence House, said: "I end my very best wishes to you all as you embark on your 'oarsome' undertaking to row across the Atlantic for such a brilliant cause. May I wish you fair winds and following seas."

She has hand-written below: "With my best wishes, Camilla."

Kat told Nub News: "We are absolutely delighted to receive such a wonderful message from Duchess. We plan to keep her posted about our progress and hopefully send her some photos too."

They hope their expedition will raise over £100,000 for three charities, Cancer Research UK, MacMillan and The Royal Marsden Hospital.

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is one of the world's toughest endurance races, but the 'oarsome' three have their sights set on the world speed record and hope to complete the crossing in 49 days.

To see more about the challenge go to: www.weareextraoardinary.com/