A FORMER SAS soldier is rowing the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for the fight against motor neurone disease.

John Davidson is currently half-way through his challenge, which has seen him face weeks of chronic seasickness and various technical difficulties, as well as poor weather and lack of prevailing winds.

Rowing to raise money as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, Mr Davidson is raising money and awareness for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The 58 year-old decided to help the foundation after meeting former Scottish rugby great Doddie Weir at an after-dinner event, and said that the rugby community is “a family” and that the sport is “very personal” to him, hence his decision to support Doddie’s foundation.

Mr Davidson's solo race began back on December 12 when he left La Gomera in Antigua.

Originally from Dundee but now living in Worcestershire, Mr Davidson, 58, joined the Army when he was 19, serving until 1996, including a spell in the Hereford-based Special Air Service (SAS).

He also said the many messages of support from those with MND or following him on social media have kept him going.

To keep up to date with Mr Davidson’s progress, go to www.madgiraffeatlanticrow.co.uk.