A WILDLIFE rescue volunteer who has been rowing across the Atlantic Ocean for three months has completed his 3,000 -mile journey.

Daryl Farmer set off to row single-handedly from La Gomera, an island off the coast of West Africa, on December 14 as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The 42-year-old, from Forest Row, finished yesterday at around 1.30am and was reunited with his partner Sabine and daughter Ellie at English Harbour, Antigua, where he will spend a week recuperating.

Mr Farmer said: “It didn’t all go to plan and I had some major issues out there but that just ended up making it a bigger challenge than it should have been.

“It made me dig in a lot deeper to get the journey done, despite being left with no rudder which meant that I made most of the journey without proper steering capabilities.

“It was just such an immense experience regardless of the issues and the rudder problem making the journey very uncomfortable at times.

“Every day it was a privilege to be on the water and I got to see some amazing things especially the wildlife along the way.

“One day I saw over 20 whales and there were lots of sea birds and dolphins, which made it very memorable for me as a lover of animals.

“Now we have to deal with the boat before I can spend some time here relaxing with my family, who have been very supportive during the whole experience.”

Mr Farmer has been raising money for East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) during his journey.

With no engine and no sails he had to row every inch of the journey in his Pure Class traditional ocean rowing boat. Trevor Weeks, founder of WRAS, said: “For the past three months we have all been dot watching online and keeping a close eye on Daryl and his progress.

“For someone to choose to do something so amazing for our small and humble little charity is absolutely amazing.

“Daryl is one of our volunteer rescuers and we are really looking forward to having him back on dry land and helping us with our rescues once he is fully recovered again.

“What an inspirational man.”

Mr Farmer has been washed overboard, had to dodge large tankers and make frequent repairs and it is estimated that he rowed for up to 18 hours a day.