A determined Sandhurst resident is set to take part in a ‘gruelling’ 3000-mile journey across the Atlantic to raise money and awareness for children and families suffering with cancer.

Darryl Thole, 50, was inspired to take up this challenge after an accident in his teens left him in crippling pain and often bed bound in fear of another injury.

30 years and a three-year-old daughter later, he has committed himself to helping and championing the children that fight every day for survival.

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Darryl, originally from South Africa said: “This expedition is part of something I started six years ago when I decided to start living beyond my pain from my past injury.

“Since then, I have completed a new physical challenge every year that has also challenged me both mentally and physically.”

When Sean Geiser, who was also born and raised in South Africa moved to Farnham the pair connected through a surprising and unexpected turn of events, soon realising they were distantly related.

The idea to take on this almost impossible two-month challenge came from Sean witnessing the various rowers when they docked in Antigua during his time there and remembering the different challenges that Darryl had tasked for himself.

He was also inspired by his wife’s triumph and fight with cancer, and his passion for the ocean.

The 3000-mile unassisted journey will begin from La Gomera, Canary Islands in December 2022 and finish at the English Harbour in Antigua as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

Only 1500 people have completed this gruelling journey across the Atlantic Ocean which will leave the pair at the mercy of mother nature with no protection from the elements.

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The pair have been mentally and physically training seven days a week since February 2021 in order to be able to ensure the harsh environment.  

"We are putting our lives at risk and spending time away from our own families at Christmas time so that hopefully, in the future, cancer in children will become a thing of the past where kids can concentrate on being kids and not having to fight for their lives" Darryl said.

“As an adult, you are able to comprehend and process what is happening but when a child is diagnosed, it doesn’t sit well with me that that their childhood is taken away from them to fight for their lives. 

He added: "It's our way of showing the world who the brave ones are. This is at the extreme end of mental and physical challenges, and during those times where we might be at our lowest, we'll have a whole boat full of handprints to keep us going. They are our Helping Hands". 

If you are an individual or local business who wishes to donate to Darryl and Sean’s efforts the  link to GoFundMe page can be found here