THEY ARE bidding to net £100,000 in the battle against skin cancer by rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic early next year.

But two Hampshire sailors dubbed the Ocean Brothers have already raised more than half that amount – six weeks before their epic voyage is even due to begin.

Jude Massey, 18, and his half-brother, Dr Greg Bailey, 27, staged a gala dinner at the five-star Chewton Glen Hotel in New Milton.

The sell-out event was attended by 120 guests and raised £21,284, taking the total amount secured so far to £59,283.

Sir Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, supported an auction held during the evening by donating a bottle of champagne signed by Prime Minister Theresa May.

Their voyage is being staged in memory of Hampshire sailor Peter Massey - Jude’s father and Greg’s stepfather - who died of skin cancer in 2015.

A large photograph of Peter was displayed on the wall behind Jude and Greg as they outlined their reasons for attempting the eight-week voyage.

The guest speaker was polar explorer Mike Stroud, of Southampton, who joined Sir Ranulph Fiennes in a series of record-breaking expeditions in the 1980s.

The auction was conducted by Manley Hopkinson, a skipper in the 2000 BT Global Challenge round-the-world yacht race.

Manley, of Lymington, said: “The atmosphere was one of overwhelming support for the guys.

“We are all very proud to be a part of the voyage and looking forward to organising a big celebration for them after its completion.”

Lots sold at the auction included a holiday for seven in a luxury villa, donated by Simpson Travel, which went for £4,500.

Two prizes donated by the Chewton Glen, including a two-night stay for six at the Cliveden House Hotel, including champagne and a river cruise, raised a total of £4,900.

The Ocean Brothers are planning to row from Gran Canaria to Barbados in a tiny 20ft boat. They are due to set off on January 15.