A HASLEMERE man is taking on one of the world’s toughest rowing challenges to prove that incredible things are possible – even after a life-changing injury.

Former Haslemere Heights pupil Rob Hamilton has signed up to the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge 2020 as a solo rower.

During the race, he will have to contend with sleep deprivation, hallucinations, salt sores, dehydration, 35 degree heat and 30ft waves, sharks, and possible capsizes, as he battles the elements in his 3,000- mile row from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

For Rob, the challenge will be even greater because he was permanently medically discharged from the Army, while training to become an officer in 2016, due to a knee injury.

“I went from someone who could run 50 miles over mountains, to someone who could walk around town for 20 minutes before having to call it a day,” he said.

“This race is a chance to prove to myself and demonstrate to others that life-changing events and injuries do not have to permanently change your way of life.

“With a little grit and determination, incredible things are possible.”

An experienced scuba diver, who has run two ultra-mountain marathons, Rob’s physical training so far is focused on weightlifting in the gym, as his boat Atlantic Titan will weigh around 700kg fully loaded and he needs to be strong enough to pull it through the water.

Atlantic Titan is due to be built next January, when training on water will start in earnest and will include ocean navigation, sea survival and short range radio courses.

Rob is appealing for sponsors now to help him raise £50,000 through his solo challenge for a refugee support organisation based in Jordan called Collateral Repair Project, where he worked for several months last year.

The organisation helps refugees through emergency aid and community programmes such as English classes, after-school clubs and psycho-social support.

The name of his boat, Atlantic Titan, has a special significance as it was the suggestion of a friend who is a beneficiary of the organisation.

He added: “Despite eating over 6,000 calories a day, I will likely lose almost two stone by the time I finish in Antigua.

“While there are two safety yachts for the fleet in case of emergencies, the race itself is unsupported. I will carry everything I need to cross the Atlantic in my boat, this includes enough food for 90 days, a water maker to purify sea water, a satellite phone, life raft, radio and chart plotter.

“December 2020 may seem a long way off, however, there is a huge amount of training and preparation to do.

“To assist with my preparations, I am actively seeking sponsorship to help achieve my incredible goal. ”

For more details and to support Rob’s fundraising solo row challenge, go to the website: www.atlantic- titan.com