A PROFESSIONAL adventurer, who made headlines in 2002 after rowing across the Atlantic Ocean alone, will be recounting her escapade at an evening talk in Hatherleigh later this month.

Debra Veale carried out a brave task to row across the Atlantic when her husband, an international oarsman, left their 23ft plywood boat after developing an uncontrollable fear of the ocean. The 3,000 mile journey that was supposed to take the couple six weeks, took Debra three and a half months to complete on her own, battling with 30 feet waves, force eight squalls, sharks and dodging tankers that came too close on a number of occasions.

Debra, from Plymouth, has since been awarded an MBE, become a published author, television presenter and has joined the board of trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. She has also become one of the most sought after corporate and motivational speakers in Europe.

Debra will be recounting the beauty, mystery, dangers and trials of solitary days at sea at Hatherleigh Community Centre on July 28, to raise money for Help for Heroes.

The talk starts at 7.30pm; tickets are £5 or £3 for students and are available in advance from Kate Burgess on 01837 811133 or on [email protected]">[email protected]