A man with cerebral palsy is preparing to single-handedly row 3,000
miles across the Atlantic Ocean for charity.
Stuart Boreham is expecting to be at sea for 80-90 days, with no more
than his lucky mascot - a teddy bear - to keep him company.
The 37-year-old will depart from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands on
Saturday.
He will reach land again at Barbados in the Caribbean, where he plans
to take a break following 18 months preparation for the gruelling
trip.
If he succeeds Mr Boreham, from Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, will
be the first physically disabled rower to achieve the feat.
Documentary
The clerical medical investment manager has had several operations on
his legs and feet to improve his ability to walk, since being
diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child.
He hopes to raise at least £25,000 from the event, for Macmillan
Cancer Relief, to fund a nurse for a year.
His 24 foot long purpose-built rowing boat is called 'Macmillan
spirit'.
Mr Boreham was inspired to take on the challenge after doing the
1996/97 BT global challenge round the world yacht race.
"I was able to help to generate a momentum to show both able-bodied
and disabled people alike that having a disability didn't mean you
couldn't achieve something in your life."
He chose the challenge when he realised no one with a physical
disability had ever rowed an ocean before.
His progress will be followed by a BBC documentary team and updates
will be posted on his website at to
www.teambluemarble.com
