A SOMERSET man is rowing 1,700 nautical miles from Canada to Ireland

Giles Johnson, 60, from Drayton, is setting off on June 24 on what he calls "an awfully big row" from Newfoundland to Roundstone, Connemara, on the west coast of Ireland.

He is raising funds for the Marine Conservation Society and Headway, the brain injury association, which offers support, advice and advocacy services to brain injury survivors, including Giles's friend William, who sustained a brain injury on a building site in 2016.

Giles plans to complete the crossing in around 30 days along with boat partner Matthew Onsonby, who is fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Giles, a psychotherapist, said: "I have always been interested in adventure and have previously taken part in several adventurous challenges.

"I'm thankful for the support Headway has given to my friend William. This row is in support of both him and Headway.

"We are self-funding the expedition with funds split between the charities."

William's wife, Rosie, said Headway was there to help in their time of need.

“After Will's fall, I felt so incapacitated and didn’t feel able to undertake or complete any tasks” she said.

“I had copious forms to fill in and was barely able to spell my own name at the time.

"Emma sat with me several times as we worked through everything. She was a huge comfort.

"I am thankful for all the ways that Headway helps people who, like me, are suddenly catapulted into such an unfamiliar world."

Challenges Giles will face include adapting to life on board, other traffic, the weather, fatigue and the mental leap needed to function as a team in difficult conditions.

He added: "Everyday tasks become rather more tricky in the confines of a small boat.For example, going to the loo, cooking and looking after yourself can feel very trying during bad weather and whilst exhausted."

The two men will have land support from Charlie Pitcher, an experienced blue water sailor and world record holder in various ocean rowing events, who also built the Hurricane R25 ocean-going boat they are using.

Gile said: "The detox from the modern world is profound.

"The satisfaction is for me in the task, the sense of being insignificant and the lack of choice that ensues.

"I feel that the more primitive and less used bits of me come to life."

To support the fundraiser, visit www.sponsorme.co.uk/bgbjohnson/an-awfully-big-row.aspx