A TALENTED sailor from West Devon is being supported in his bid to become the youngest person to sail single-handed across the English Channel.

Oliver Hancox, 14, from Jacobstowe, is a keen sailing enthusiast who after losing his father to cancer last year, wanted to undertake a challenge which would raise both money and awareness for Cancer Research.

His father, Neil Hancox, was the first person to windsurf across the English Channel in a team relay in 1983. 

This month Oliver started an intensive eight-week training programme with his safety boat. 

The voyage is planned for May 2010 and is being supported by Plymouth's Mayflower Marina, where his boat will remain berthed free of charge throughout the training period, with the money instead being donated to Cancer Research.

Oliver will be sailing the 115 miles from Plymouth to Roscoff in a five-metre Silhouette Mk II Hurley, which is estimated to take around 24 hours.

Oliver said he was feeling positive about his adventure.

He said: 'This is one of the most important things I have ever done.

'I hope to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research, as well as boost awareness of the charity and its work.

'Cancer affects so many people and I think this is why the support I am seeing is already so strong.

'My Dad always loved adventure and this seems to have been passed down to me too.

'I am a little scared, but also incredibly excited and pleased that I can do my bit to help people in the future.'

The boat, named Cariad, was carefully restored over the summer to prepare for the challenge. 

Managing director of Mayflower Marina, Charles Bush, said: 'Oliver is incredibly brave to even think of sailing across the Channel alone at the age of 14.

'The fact that he is raising money for Cancer Research, in the name of his late father, made it impossible for us not to support him in some small way.

'We really do wish him the very best in his quest and remain confident that his passion and determination will see him through to Roscoff.'

To find out more about Oliver's challenge, or to donate online, visit http://www.channelchallenge.co.uk">www.channelchallenge.co.uk

RIGHT: Oliver with his boat Cariad, berthed in Mayflower Marina in Plymouth.