A VET from Ross-on-Wye has started an epic 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic as he tries to raise money for cancer Macmillan Cancer Support.

Simon Lyddon, 44, will spend more than five weeks as part of a team of 12 rowing across the ocean, as he raises money after suffering a cancer double blow.

Mr Lyddon, who runs Vine Tree Vets in Ross-on-Wye, is already facing up to the hardest leg of the journey.

“The first week is well known to be the toughest as we settle into life on board,” said Mr Lyddon, just before leaving from Tenerife on Monday morning (March 22), destined for the tropical island of Antigua.

“We have to adjust to the sleep patterns, cooking, boat maintenance and, of course, hours upon hours of rowing.

“Learning to work together, support each other and manage ourselves in this challenge is critical.”

Hereford Times: Simon Lyddon checking the team supplies are in order Simon Lyddon checking the team supplies are in order

Each of the 12-strong crew of the 12-metre-long Roxy will row more than 1.5million strokes and burn more than 5,000 calories a day during the 35 to 40-day crossing.

Travel restrictions delayed the dad-of-two's departure to Tenerife and, as a complete rowing novice, he put in extra-long hours on a machine at Vine Tree, which is part of the My Family Vets group.

The past week has been spent completing crucial sea survival training and he has also been learning about the purpose-built boat and his fellow rowers, who are aged between 18 and 60.

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“I have got to know the crew so well in just a short time,” said Mr Lyddon, who lost his dad Peter to prostate cancer before learning that wife Mel had breast cancer.

“We all have our reasons for being here and the openness with which we have bared our souls has brought us so close as a team.

“I have no doubt we will be all be lifelong friends after this journey and hopefully we will have some amazing experiences to share.”

Hereford Times: Simon Lyddon packing the last minute essentials Simon Lyddon packing the last minute essentials

Mrs Lyddon, who thankfully is doing well, was treated at the Macmillan Renton Unit at Hereford County Hospital and her husband is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for Macmillan.

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Weather systems were closely monitored before the boat set off from Las Galletas marina on Monday and Simon is hoping to avoid dangerous conditions on the epic adventure.

“I look forward to sharing our journey with everyone but most of all I’ll be looking forward to a nice rum punch in Falmouth harbour in Antigua,” added Simon.

Although communications are limited, progress can be followed here, and donations can be made to Macmillan here.