A BASINGSTOKE adventurer is hoping to prove that nothing is impossible when he rows across the Indian Ocean with an epileptic cancer survivor.

James Ketchell is preparing to row the 3,600 miles with Scout volunteer Ashley Wilson, who is in remission from Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer, and also suffers from epilepsy.

James, who has rowed the Atlantic, climbed Everest and cycled around the world, will undergo training by charity Young Epilepsy, to help Ashley cope with his seizures on board the vessel.

Their specifically designed boat was tested on the water for the first time on October 12 at the Docklands Scout Project in London, when the public was able to see the duo in action. 

 

 

Thirty-two-year-old James, 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, when they set of in April 2015 from Australia, before ending their voyage in Mauritius.

The Indian Ocean is one of the least rowed oceans in the world - more people have been into space than rowed across it.

The pair will face the added challenge of dealing with 36-year-old Ashley's seizures, which he suffers one or two of a week.

Epilepsy is often triggered by stress, dehydration, rigorous exercise and lack of sleep - all of which are likely on this extraordinary journey.

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.

Ashley said: “I have always been a fighter and am certainly not one to ever give up. Scouting has always been supportive of me and has helped me lead a normal life no matter what medical challenges have been thrown at me.”

He added: “I wanted to prove to everyone that my condition does not affect my ambition and ability to be a world record holder. Being a Scout has taught me that nothing's impossible no matter how bad things are or may have been.”

James, from Eastrop, said: “I have rowed long distances before but the Indian Ocean challenge is a real big one. The dynamic of rowing such a massive distance while making sure I support Ash will be a real challenge, but I am convinced that if we look after each other we can make a safe and fast crossing.”

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, described James and Ashley's epic mission as “a real adventure”.

He added: “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 our journey.”

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

Lisa Farmer, director of development at Young Epilepsy, said: “Ashley really is a hero and we know that thousands of young people will be glued to this adventure when it takes place next year. He is an inspiration and is helping us by raising vital funds and fighting stigma. Unfortunately too many people still have low expectations about what young people with epilepsy can do.”