He can't swim 50 metres, has a mild form of ME and suffers with diabetes, but Norwich Christian cabbie Gary Moore will attempt to row across more than 4,000 miles of open water when he tackles a solo Atlantic crossing later in the year.

In his 24ft boat Amazing Grace, which has already been across the Atlantic once and the Indian Ocean once in different hands, Gary is aiming to set a new world record.

The likely route, which is not yet fully confirmed yet, is Portugal to Antigua - a crossing of around 4,100 miles which no other rower has successfully completed, although some have tried.

Because it is a new route it is simply a case of completing the row to set the world record rather than beating a previous time, but all the same Gary hopes to complete the challenge in 160 to 180 days, starting in November or December.

“I wake up most mornings asking myself 'what am I about to do?',” said the 47-year-old who is also a furniture project worker for YMCA Norfolk. “But the old army saying is 'train hard, fight easy' and that is what I intend to do.

“There are dangers - as a solo rower particularly - if you fall over the side you are pretty much finished, especially as I can't swim more than 50 metres.”

Gary's family of wife Tracey, two sons and two grandchildren, have become used to his adventures. Previous trips have included “sometimes hairy” outings to the likes of China, Siberia and North Korea and in a previous life he was a member of the French Foreign Legion, so the row won't be a first in terms of adventure.

“The biggest battle is to train mentally. But I can't wait, it terrifies me but it also excites me. You have one life and so many people waste it. I'm not saying everyone should so something big like this, but people should try for personal challenges if they possibly can.

“Ocean rowers are a breed apart, only around 230 people have ever finished an ocean row and I want to see if I can join them.”

Gary has already stumped up £10,000 of his own money - a huge chunk of his savings - to buy the boat, but now he needs help funding other key pieces of technology and kit. Other necessities are a satellite phone, a better rowing seat, a water maker which converts salt water to drinking water, clothing, better oars, computer kit and a professional paint job.

A title sponsor would be able to have their brand and choice of colours painted on Amazing Grace, added Gary and the row will be in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

To contact Gary to offer sponsorship, a mooring or to help in any other way, call 01603 452962 or 07543 411353. Or email him on garymoore1961@hotmail.com.

www.garysatlanticrow.com

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