A FATHER-of-four is battling the high seas as he attempts to create history with a row across the Atlantic.

Charlie Pitcher, who trained in Burnham and lives with his family in Felstead, has been rowing solo for more than a week in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race - and is starting to feel the strain.

After a good start he found himself soaking for 24 hours but keen to take advantage of a strong wind he battled on and was leading the fleet.

But by day two his bottom was becoming sore and he was starting to be thrown around the boat. He said: “ My muscles are tight as piano strings and my hands have lots of blisters now. I'm still happy though.”

By the weekend he was in fourth or fifth place and realising this is “by far the toughest thing I have endured so far” - and this comes after a 151 mile run across the desert last year.

This week his hands are becoming swollen but he has found with a good wind “I am faster than any boat”.

To get a full update on his blog visit transatlanticsolo.com Mr Pitcher is trying to raise £100,000 for the renal unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in memory of his friend Shaun McLeod-Jones who died in 2003.

To donate visit justgiving.com/charliepitcher/