WEST Devon’s own ‘Rowing Marine’ is once again gearing up to be the first physically disabled person to row 3,500 miles solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean.

Former Royal Marine Lee Spencer, an amputee from Horrabridge, was due to leave Gibraltar in January this year but postponed the challenge after his mother passed away a few days before he was set to leave.

The new date for the trip has been scheduled for December 12 and during his challenge Lee aims to set two world records.

If he succeeds he will be the first physically disabled person to row across the Atlantic, East to West, from mainland Europe to mainland South America, non-stop and unsupported 3,500 miles, to Venezuela.

He also aims to beat the able bodied record set by Stein Hoff in 2002 of 96 days, 12 hours and 45 minutes.

Lee wants to show that nothing should stand in the way of people’s disabilities.

‘I plan to do it in 60 to 70 days,’ he said. ‘If I can beat Stein Hoff my message that you are not defined by disability will get out there even more. If a disabled person can beat an able bodied person then that will send a strong message that you are not defined by your disability,’ added Lee, who lost his left leg below the knee in a road accident on the M3 when he went to help another motorist who had broken down.

Lee hit the headlines in early 2015 after he and three fellow amputee former and serving servicemen rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic.

The men braved tropical storms, 40-foot waves and sleep deprivation to row from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua, in a record-breaking 46 days, six hours and 49 minutes.

While 29 crews entered the race, they really stood out — as all the others were able-bodied.

And it was this challenge which inspired Lee to pick up the oars again.

Lee, who served for 24 years with the Royal Marines, will set off from Gibraltar and head south down the west coast of Africa. At the Canary Islands he will continue west, completing the row in Venezuela.

During this feat of extraordinary physical and mental endurance, Lee will battle 30ft waves, sleep deprivation, extreme fatigue, fear and solitude. 

His training has involved becoming ‘fit, fat and strong’ due to the fact that he will be burning around 8,000 calories a day — and his daily high protein rations are for 6,000 calories!

‘The toughest part about all of this has been staying positive for the past two and a half years,’ said Lee. ‘But the reasons for the row are still as valid today as they were when this first started over two years ago — I am doing this to raise awareness and funds for the Royal Marines Charity and The Endeavour Fund.’

Lee acknowledged local residents and businesses for their continued support to this challenge: ‘I want to thank everyone who has stuck with me — the people running the infrastructure, everyone who supported me doing this in January and then stuck with me through this past year. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support.

‘Thanks to Jonathan Case Builders and Contractors Ltd in Horrabridge and the Horrabridge Cavaliers — their support over the last year has been brilliant.’

So far, sponsorship for the challenge stands at almost £20,000 — to donate you can visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LeeJSpencer

To stay up-to-date on Lee’s travels, you can visit www.leespencer.co.uk

l Landlord of the London Inn in Horrabridge Mike Huda has organised an incentive for locals and regulars alike — while Lee is undertaking the challenge Mike will be placing a rowing machine in the pub and will be encouraging everyone to get involved and match Lee’s miles.