One-legged rower gets under way

John Mollison lost his leg in a minefield explosion in the Falklands

A Falklands veteran who only has one leg has begun his record-breaking attempt to row across the Atlantic.

John Mollison, 49, from Perth, set off from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, on Sunday and will row about 3,500 miles to Britain.

Mr Mollison lost his leg clearing a minefield in the Falklands in 1982 and aims to become the first person with an artificial limb to row the ocean solo.

He is raising money for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association.

'Heading for home'

Mr Mollison, a former 59 Commando Squadron Royal Engineer, said: "I've spent weeks here fine-tuning equipment, making sure the boat is 100% ready and taking the vessel and myself through sea trials in all sorts of weather.

"I've been itching to get going and now I'm heading for home. It would be great to bag a record or two along the way but the priority is a safe return to Lesley and the kids. I've really been missing them.

"I know it's going to be a tough gig but I've put in the groundwork."

Mr Mollison had planned to set off on the tough west to east voyage in June, but weather problems delayed the start of his challenge.

His wife, Lesley, spoke to him minutes before his voyage began.

She said: "He was very emotional after all the frustrations of recent weeks. He's so pleased to finally get the challenge under way."