IT'S one of the toughest challenges in the world.

More people have been into space than have rowed across the Indian Ocean.

But one Hampshire man is preparing to do just that - despite suffering from epilepsy and being in remission from cancer.

Scout leader Ashley Wilson decided attempt the challenge to inspire others and prove that anything is possible, while also raising money for charity.

The 36-year-old from Wickham has had epilepsy all of his life and until recently he could expect to have up to 20 seizures a day.

His seizures have been reduced to one or two a week, but the dad-of-three said he's still likely to have at least a dozen while he's thousands of miles out at sea.

The mechanic is also a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 20-years-old.

He said: “I wanted to do this to prove to young people that it doesn't matter if you have got a disability because you can go out and achieve anything.

“Even if I didn't have epilepsy it wouldn't be risk free but it shouldn't be any more dangerous than anyone else doing it.

“I used to have one seizure every 18 months or so up until about 10 years ago. Then things went completely haywire and I had about 20 a day.

“With lots of medication and all sorts we're now at a point where I get about one a week, which is more manageable. I wanted to give back to some of the people who have helped me.

“I have been a Scout leader now for eight years or so and the Scouts have given me an awful lot. They've allowed me to get involved with challenges that you probably wouldn't normally be able to do with a disability.”

Ashley said one of the most difficult things about the trip will be saying goodbye to his partner of 15 years Laura Samways, 32, and his children Abbie, 12, Jay, eight, and Phoebie, five.

“It will be one of the hardest bits and I'm sure it will get more difficult as time goes by. They're quite excited for me though,” said Ashley.

He will be joined on the trip by Scout ambassador James Ketchell who has been trained to cope with his seizures.

The Hampshire men hope to break the world record for the fastest pair to row the 3,600 miles across the ocean, currently set at 86 days.

In the run-up to the trip they will be raising money for The Scout Association, Young Epilepsy and the Elifar Foundation.

The duo tested their specially designed boat 'Nothing's Impossible' on the water for the first time this weekend in Canary Wharf in front of more than 100 Scouts.

For more information visit: nothings-impossible.co.uk.