LAP the world challenger Sam Greatrex, from Halesowen, is preparing to embark on the Atlantic Ocean leg of his epic journey.

The cancer survivor, who hopes to complete the fastest human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth, is gearing up for 70 days of rowing 3,500 nautical miles from Lagos in Portugal to South America.

His ocean-going 28ft rowing boat, which has cost tens of thousands of pounds, will be transported by its designer, Atlantic rower Charlie Pitcher, in the next few days ready for the launch which is expected early February.

A four-strong team of volunteers, picked for their determination and ambition, will row with Mr Greatrex 24 hours a day in shifts.

The boat, which has three rowing seats positioned in the centre and a cabin at each end, is built of carbon for speed and self-rights if it capsizes.

The team will survive on a diet of high-calorific freeze dried meals and treats including chocolate bars and salted peanuts.

Twenty-nine-year-old Mr Greatrex, of Cloister Drive, said: “I thought the toughest part would be rowing 12 hours a day, but rowers say it’s the mental challenge of getting up and rowing that’s bigger.

“I don’t count myself as the fittest and have picked the strongest guys to take the pressure of me.”

The team features Holland’s highly experienced rower Ralph Tuijn, who has rowed across the Atlantic and half the Indian and Pacific oceans, Tara Adams, former England ladies tug-of-war champion and Nicholas Sen, a scientist and tri-athlete from Essex.

Jim Alssord completes the team, giving up his life as a deckhand in the Seychelles to be “smelly, hairy and unwashed” and achieve a lifetime’s ambition.

Mr Greatrex said: “I have not had time to think too much about how I will feel, as I have been so busy sorting out the logistics.

“I am actually looking forward now to rowing 12 hours a day rather than doing paperwork.”

He completed the first 2,000-mile European leg of his journey before Christmas after setting off from Paris on September 6 and returned home for a welcome break.

Mr Greatrex hopes to complete the expedition – which involves cycling 18,000 miles and rowing 14,000 nautical miles – in 18 months, smashing 11 world records.

His challenge has so far raised £15,000 towards his £240,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in recognition of the help he received after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma when he was 10.