Rowing in Fraser's memory

David Williams sets out on his voyage in January

A Hereford man plans to row single-handedly across the Atlantic in a boat named in honour of a baby who died at a children's hospice.

David Williams, 44, will be raising money for the Acorns Children's Hospice Trust, which needs to raise £4m to build a new hospice in Worcester.

Mr Williams will attempt the 3,000-mile journey from Tenerife to Barbados in January - with 120-days rations and no sails on his 24-foot wooden vessel called "Fraser's Boat".

"My motivation is a little Worcester lad called Fraser who I never met," said Mr Williams, a former soldier who is preparing for his voyage under the guidance of University College Worcester's sports science laboratory.

"His story puts my life into perspective and make you appreciate what you take for granted.

"This row is for him and other children like him," he added.

The long drive to Selly Oak when Fraser was very ill was the worst hour of my life

Sadie Lewis

Fraser Lewis, who was just five-and-a-half-months old, died of brain damage and severe epilepsy at Acorns in Selly Oak, Birmingham, three years ago.

His mother Sadie said: "When your child dies, one of the most difficult things is that you stop hearing people saying their name.

"So when David approached me and asked he could name his boat after Fraser, I was very moved."

Mrs Lewis said a hospice in Worcester would have a "massive impact" on families with life-limited children.

Progress live via web cam

"The long drive to Selly Oak when Fraser was very ill was the worst hour of my life," she said.

"But thanks to Acorns, we have very positive memories of the time we spent with him."

Mr Williams hopes to complete the Atlantic challenge in three months, and people will be able to watch his progress live via web cam linked to the BBC Hereford and Worcester website.

The boat was officially named at a special ceremony on Friday by Mrs Lewis at Powick Primary School.