James Ketchell and Ashley Wilson set off from Western Australia today. image:http://www.elifarfoundation.org.uk/nothings-impossible-for-ocean-rowers/

A British explorer has teamed up with an epileptic cancer survivor in an attempt to row one of the world’s toughest oceans.

James Ketchell  became the first person to climb Everest, row the Atlantic Ocean, and cycle around the world unaided.

His partner Ashley Wilson is a Scouting ambassador from Wickham, Hampshire. The pair set off from Geraldton in Western Australia earlier today.

Mr Wilson has suffered from epilepsy since a young age, and survived Hodgkin lymphoma aged 19.

Having been told I can’t do things for most of my life due to my condition, I felt it’s important to make a stand and prove to people that just because a person has epilepsy, it shouldn’t restrict them from achieving great things

Mr Ketchell, from Holloway, north London, is under no illusion as to the scale of the task awaiting the duo: “Having rowed the Atlantic during my global triathlon I am all too aware of the challenges we face”.

The 4,000-mile journey has only been rowed 20 times successfully – including four times by a pair – with the fastest crossing standing at 85 days.

TV presenter and Chief Scout Bear Grylls praised the pair as he meet Scouts in Stamford.  

Ashley’s and James’s attempt to row the Indian Ocean is a real adventure.

They are setting a fantastic example to young people across the UK and demonstrating that, whatever the personal challenges you face, you can be sure that Scouting will support you on your journey.