Setting off on their sponsored sail to the Azores on Saturday were Pembrokeshire GP Chris Bates and his staff nurse wife Penny.

They left Neyland Marina on their 41ft yacht Esprit de Mer for a six-week voyage to and from the Azores and around the mid Atlantic islands. The couple could face gales, high seas, and more unusual hazards like humpback and sperm whales.

They hope to raise money for Withybush Hospital's chemotherapy day unit and also highlight the threat of closure of the unit, with proposals to treat patients with chemotherapy in their own homes.

Neither Chris, of Winch Lane Surgery, Haverfordwest nor Penny, who works in Withybush's outpatient department, believe this would in the interests of the patients.

Penny would like to see as many people as possible sign the forms, which are available at doctors' surgeries, the WRVS desk at Withybush Hospital entrance and the outpatients' department.

The couple hope to reach the Azores in ten days and will cruise around the islands before sailing back to Pembrokeshire.

People supporting the fundraising are invited to guess the total distance of their voyage and there will be a prize from the Azores for the winner.

Western Telegraph readers will also be able to follow the journey with weekly reports of Chris and Penny's progress.

There will also be an update on the Winch Lane Surgery website www.winchlanesurgery.co.uk.