A 60-year-old is preparing to single-handedly take on the ‘world’s toughest row’ across the Atlantic with the backing of music icon Sir Elton John.

‘Atlantic Rocketman’ Andrew Major is set to row 3,000 miles from the small island of La Gomera, just off Tenerife, to the English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda in a gruelling challenge that is expected to take up to 60 days at sea.

The Briton, who has already raised more than £12,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation, will be spending 18 hours a day rowing through the world’s most challenging waters, with violent storms and waves of up to 40 feet, in a feat he hopes he is able to complete in two months.

He was forced to sell his luxury car and re-mortgage part of his house to fund the costs of the challenge, with his rowing boat alone – named Jazzy after his wife – put him £75,000 out of pocket.

Both Sir John and husband David Furnish are supporting the rower’s efforts to raise money for their foundation, even providing written permission for the 60-year-old to use the title ‘Atlantic Rocketman’.

‘Atlantic Rocketman’ Andrew Major shakes hands with Gary from Rannoch Adventure who is helping him prepare for the long journey with an electrics course so he can make use of the solar panels on his boat

Mr Major has shared photographs of himself on social media training for the voyage

The route will see Mr Major row 3,000 miles from the small island of La Gomera, just off Tenerife, to the English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda

While most participants compete in pairs, trios or fours, the 60-year-old from Portsmouth has decided to embark on the challenge solo

At the end of July he shared a photograph on Instagram which showed his pre shipping inspection with Fraser Mowlem from the Atlantic Campaigns Safety Team

Speaking of the row, which begins in December, Mr Major said: ‘I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a marathon runner, and I have rode on rivers before but nothing like this’

While most participants compete in pairs, trios or fours, the 60-year-old from Portsmouth has decided to embark on the challenge solo.

Speaking of the row, which begins in December, he said: ‘I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a marathon runner, and I have rode on rivers before but nothing like this.

‘It’s called the world’s toughest row for a reason. It’ll take around 18 hours of rowing each day and you have to row through heavy rain, violent storms and waves of up to 40 feet.

‘I realised recently that I was experiencing the early signs of burnout and it was creeping and insidious. So I decided to do something for myself. To put myself first for once.

‘And I wanted to do it for a great cause, and the Elton John Aids Foundation has done wonderful things.’ 

The race across the Atlantic will begin from La Gomera on December 12, with more than 40 teams competing, though only seven will be doing it solo.

Mr Major added: ‘It is brutal. Last year, someone died after having a heart attack and the rest of the team of four had to be rescued.

‘I’m predicting it’ll take me between 40 to 60 days to complete. It means I’ll be gone for Christmas, which my wife is quite upset about, but I’ve said I want everyone at the finish line in Antigua to celebrate.’