IT IS the ultimate challenge - Basingstoke adventurer James Ketchell is preparing to row 4,000 miles across the Indian Ocean with an epileptic cancer survivor.

James, and Ashley Wilson, who is in remission from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, hope to prove that nothing is impossible when they set off on Saturday from Geraldton, Australia, for their epic journey.

Posting in a blog on Tuesday, James said: “Over the past few days we have been working on small issues and generally going through kit. When the boat was shipped from the UK to Australia, it was shipped in a container.

Unfortunately one of the antennas was damaged. Nothing we can’t fix, just slightly fiddly.”

James and Ashley’s boat was due to be launched in the marina yesterday or today, before the pair carry out several jobs that can only be completed on water.

James, who has rowed the Atlantic, climbed Everest and cycled around the world, added: “We don’t need any rowing practice, as there is plenty of that coming up!”

The pair moved their departure date to Saturday because conditions look better and it will also allow more people to watch them set off.

It has taken two-and-a-half years for James and Ashley to prepare for their mission.

James said: “Our aim as we cross the Indian Ocean is to prove that having epilepsy or a disability is no barrier to pursuing ones goals and living a fulfilled fun life.”

Ashley, 36, from Wickham, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 20, and after undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he is now in remission.

He was inspired to take on the challenge when he met James at a local Scouting event.

James also suffered life-changing health problems following a near-fatal bike accident in 2007, which doctors told him he would never fully recover from.

The 32-year-old, who is a Scout Ambassador, hopes he and Ashley will break the world record and become the fastest pair to row across the Indian Ocean, in less than 86 days, ending their voyage in Mauritius.

The pair will raise money for The Scout Association, Young Epilepsy and the Elifar Foundation.

To donate visit http://uk.virginmoney giving.com/team/nothingsimpossible or text ROW to 70025 to donate £5. Follow James and Ashley’s journey at nothings-impossible.co.uk.