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Banker to cross the Atlantic in 80 days

A DISABLED rower sets off this weekend in a bid to cross the Atlantic Ocean in just 80 days.

Stuart Boreham of Kingsmead was born with cerebral palsy which had affected his balance and muscles in his legs.

In July mk news reported how the 37-year-old was planning to start his journey in his self-righting boat from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Barbados.

If he achieves it, he will become the first disabled person to complete the trip unassisted.

The project manager for Halifax Bank of Scotland will be equipped with a satellite telephone, tracking beacon and emergency location beacon.

Stuart will be mainly living off freeze-dried food and will be eating chocolate and taking high energy drinks to keep up his required intake of 7,000 calories a day.

He has taken sabbatical leave from his office in Aylesbury and has been training for the past five months at Living Well Gym in CMK.

He said: "After all the preparations and planning, I am really looking forward to starting my voyage.

"I can't wait to get on the water in the Canary Isles and commence my hot weather acclimatisation training and the countdown to the start of my row.

"Everything has gone to plan and I am both physically and mentally prepared for the challenge, as well as having a tried and tested boat."

Through his project Stuart is seeking to raise £25,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief. So far he has raised £4,500.

If anyone wishes to support Stuart's fund raising goal, donations can be made to The Challenge Fund – sort code: 20-03-18, account number: 70001295.

Picture shows Stuart Boreham.