An IT expert is taking on the mammoth challenge of rowing 3,000 miles from Gran Canaria to Barbados in 90 days.

Alan Lau, 39, from Esher, will set off on the lone journey in early December this year.

There will be no support boat nearby, and if he gets into trouble Mr Lau will have to rely on flares and satellite alert devices.

The feat is all in aid of Children on the Edge, a charity helping youngsters in poverty.

The IT project manager, of Sherriff Close, said: “The idea first came into my head in 2008. That’s when I first got the idea and since then I’ve been gradually building up.”

When asked about feeling lonely during the journey Mr Lau said: “I think I will cope. I’m pretty sure I will cope. It’s an experience I’ve never had before.

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“I’m really looking forward to looking at the Milky Way. I’ve rarely spent time by myself and really looking in myself.”

Mr Lau is funding his personal costs which will total about £100,000.

Mr Lau said one of his friends painted his oars in bright colours and added: “When I’m rowing I’ll have something pretty to look at.”

The trip will start when Mr Lau leaves the UK on November 29, and he is planning to set off from Gran Canaria when the weather is suitable.