A HEREFORD grandfather who survived two IRA bomb attacks while serving in Northern Ireland with the British Army is hoping to become part of the oldest duo to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic.

Often described as the ‘world’s toughest row’, the Atlantic Challenge is no mean feat for younger men, but Peter Ketley and Neil Young will be taking on the row aged 62 and 61 respectively.

The pair, who are both ex-British army officers and have been friends for 40 years, are aiming to complete the 70-day challenge unaided and are setting off on December 12 2018.

Calling themselves 'Grandads of the Atlantic', the pair hope to raise £250,000 for charity while becoming the oldest to complete the challenge.

They joined the British Army at the same time some 40 years ago and met when serving in Berlin.

Neil, who lives in Hereford also served in Northern Ireland, where he survived two massive IRA bomb attacks at Warrenpoint, which killed 18 of his comrades.

Peter, who lives in Denmead, Hampshire went on to serve with the Parachute Regiment in Northern Ireland, Belize and the Faulklands, where he fought in the battle of Goose Green.

Neil went on to found one of the world’s leading specialist kidnap and extortion response consultancies. He has worked on response cases, training tasks and consulting projects all over the world. Peter developed a successful career in the textile industry and works as an International Sales Director.

Speaking about how the idea of rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua came about, Peter said: “Neil called me and said – ‘do you fancy rowing across the Atlantic next year?’ I wanted to take on a challenge before the knees and back give way, so thought ‘why not?’”

He added: “I also fancied a holiday to Antigua and I haven’t got enough Air Miles. Normally people take two or three years to prepare for this. We have just 16 months to do it from scratch.”

The pair are looking to raise £50,000 for the trip, which will fund their boat and specialist equipment which they need to buy by March. They have already secured backing from the Parachute Regiment and retailer Next.

Peter and Neil are hoping to raise £250,000 for the Royal British Legion Industries and Dreams Come True. The RBLI helps injured servicemen retrain for employment in civilian life, and Dreams Come True provides experiences for seriously unwell children.

Neil went on to say: “Our story is really starting to gather momentum and we're attracting a lot of attention. We'd love you to be part of it.”

To support the appeal, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/grandadsoftheatlantic or www.grandadsoftheatlantic.com