A man who plans to be the third person to row single-handed across the Indian Ocean is holding a charity rowathon in Potters Bar next week.

Simon Prior, 28, will cover the distance of the Channel on a rowing machine outside Sainsbury's, in Darkes Lane, from 10am on Saturday to raise money for the Willow Foundation.

But this feat is nothing compared to what he hopes to achieve next April, when he will compete in the Woodvale Challenge Indian Ocean rowing race, with the aim of raising £25,000 for the charity, which works to improve the quality of life of young adults with life-threatening diseases.

Mr Prior, who first got into a rowing boat in 2006, is confident of winning the race in around three months and becoming the third person to have rowed single-handed across the 3,500-mile ocean between Western Aust-ralia and Mauritius.

By the time he finishes his trip, he predicts he will have a thick ginger beard and be only two thirds of his starting body weight.

He said: "There have been several hundred people who have now climbed Mount Everest, several hundred who have rowed across the Atlantic, 12 people who have walked on the surface of the moon, yet only two people have ever rowed single-handed across the Indian Ocean.

"I want to be the third. Whatever happens out there, it will be an amazing experience and that is what life is all about.

"I can't wait to leave and start counting down the sunsets. I can't wait to start pushing my boundaries. I can't wait to win."

Teams from all over the world will compete in the race in solo, pair and four-person teams. Accompanying Mr Prior on the trip will be a satellite phone, camcorder, satellite navigation system, electronic compass, water maker and MP3 player, all powered by solar energy.

To prepare for the trip he has been doing daily 50-kilometre rows, with one 48-hour rowing marathon each month.

A keen sportsman, the 6ft 6in adventurer from Alderman Close, North Mymms, enjoys running, badminton, tennis, kayaking, rock climbing and "anything with a bit of challenge in it".

The Willow Found-ation was set up by former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs in memory of their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31.

Mr Wilson said: "This has got to be the toughest challenge that anyone has ever chosen to take on for the Willow Foundation and we are honoured that Simon has chosen us.

"We wish Simon all the best for the thousands of miles he'll be rowing for us and so many seriously ill young adults."

Anyone wishing to donate should visit amantomauritius.co.uk