A CHARITY volunteer who has been rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for three months is expected to finish his 3,000-mile journey today.

Daryl Farmer set off from La Gomera, an island off the coast of West Africa, last December as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

With no engine and no sails he has single-handedly had to row every inch of the journey in his Pure Class traditional ocean rowing boat.

Daryl, 42, from Forest Row, has been raising money for the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS).

Trevor Weeks MBE, founder of WRAS, said: “For the past three months we have all been dot-watching online and keeping a close eye on Daryl and his progress.

“For someone to choose to do something so amazing for our small and humble little charity is absolutely amazing.

“Daryl is one of our volunteer rescuers and we are really looking forward to having him back on dry land and helping us with our rescues once he is fully recovered again. What an inspirational man.”

It is estimated Daryl has made more than 1.5 million oar strokes so far while rowing up to 18 hours a day.

More people have been into space and successfully climbed Mount Everest than have rowed across the Atlantic.

During his journey, Daryl has been washed overboard, dodged large tankers, made repairs and faced the challenge of rowing without a rudder on his boat.

Ian Couch, duty officer for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, said: “For those of you who have not rowed, take a moment to picture the enormity of what he is doing.

“Alone, communications through satellite phone only, tired and wanting to rest but knowing every rest means you are making less progress forward, facing emotional highs and lows and self-doubt.

“This challenge is not just about stamina and physical robustness but about technical skill and above all, mental and emotional strength.”

He will be reunited with his partner Sabine and daughter Ellie at English Harbour, Antigua, later today.

Last Thursday, Daryl had under 150 nautical miles left to complete and was rowing about 33nm a day.

To track his progress you can visit taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/race-tracker/.