A 17st man will be rowing a marathon on his 60th birthday as part of a fundraising drive for a brain-damaged teenager.

Former carer Robert Bridges, of Beeleigh Road, Maldon, will spend hours on a rowing machine on March 6 for the Sam Richards Recovery Group.

He is also asking for donations to the cause instead of birthday presents.

Sam’s mum Teresa Mecoy, from Maldon, is hoping to raise £14,000 for a communication aid for the 18-year-old, who was injured in a playground accident in September 2012.