THE family of a marine officer are urging the public to give their support as she battles extreme weather conditions on her rowing journey across the world.

PC Dawn Wood, of Essex Police’s marine unit, is taking part in a 3,000-mile solo row across the Atlantic to raise awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans.

Dawn, from Burnham, has battled against the elements already, which has made the voyage as difficult as anticipated.

On the tenth day, she was met with wind resistance 500 kilometres from her starting point.

Her family has decided to create a campaign on Facebook called “Go Dawny Go - We are with you” to give her a boost to get to the finish line.

A family spokesman said: “If you have been tracking Dawn’s progress over this weekend you will be aware that the winds have not been kind and that progress has been extremely difficult.

“Dawn’s family have sent the following message: Her phosphorescence isn’t as bright as it normally is because of adverse climatic conditions so we have started a Facebook wave on her page to raise her spirits.

“If you’re happy to join in, it would be great if you could indicate where in the world you’re sending the love from, or indicate an organisation or group.”

Several messages have come in already encouraging Ms Wood to push on.

One post said: “Go Dawn! We are following your progress daily from the Snowy Mountains in Australia.

“We wake up looking forward to your blog and tracking your progress.

“We are in amazement at all that you have accomplished so far and know that there is more to come. You are an absolute inspiration Keep going, you got this.”

To follow Dawn’s journey and to sign up for updates, visit rowaurora.co.uk.