A SOLDIER from Southampton is attempting to become the first person to row solo from Mainland Europe to North America.

In December, British soldier, Jack Jarvis will be taking on the challenge from Portugal to Miami to raise money for two charities, Brainstrust and CALM.

The journey is around 4,500 nautical miles meaning that Jarvis will be at sea for nearly 100 days, averaging almost 50 miles every 24 hours.

Although expected to be incredibly testing both mentally and physically, the soldier is dedicated to getting through it and raising money in memory of his late grandfather who died in 2007 from a brain tumour.

He claimed that more people have reached the summit of Everest or travelled into space than have successfully rowed an ocean.

Having recently run a marathon while carrying a 26kg rowing machine, Jarvis has even remortgaged his flat just to help himself get to the start line.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for the challenge with £6,190 already having been donated, £190 over the £6,000 target originally set for the page.

He said: “Firstly I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. It really does mean a lot and the funds raised will go a long way in helping me to achieve my goal of rowing the Atlantic solo in support of Brainstrust & CALM.

“We are now under six months away from the row so it’s now all about getting myself in the best shape possible while also raising as much money as possible for these amazing charities. Any donation, no matter how big or small is really appreciated.

“I’m under no illusions as to how hard this will be but I really can’t wait to get started and give it my all!

The soldier, who trains on the Solent, says his aim is to raise £50,000 for the two charities overall.

A second GoFundMe page to donate towards the two charities has currently raised £5,161.

The hardest part of rowing an ocean is said to be just getting to the start line, with operational costs clocking in at an excess of £90,000.

Now, Jarvis is is looking for companies to join him and help make history.